KLM names first Airbus A350 “The Night Watch” as fleet renewal enters new phase

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has unveiled a new naming theme for its incoming Airbus A350 fleet, with the first aircraft to be named after Rembrandt’s famous painting The Night Watch.

The airline expects to receive its first Airbus A350 at the end of August 2026. The aircraft, currently undergoing final preparations in Toulouse, is scheduled to enter commercial service in September, with Toronto selected as its inaugural destination.

Dutch Art Takes to the Skies

KLM has chosen iconic Dutch masterpieces as the naming theme for its A350 fleet, highlighting the airline’s national heritage. The Night Watch, one of the most famous works housed at the Rijksmuseum, was selected for the first aircraft because of its international recognition and strong association with Dutch culture.

Business Class Delay

The new A350 will feature:

• 34 World Business Class seats
• 26 Premium Comfort seats
• 271 Economy Class seats

However, due to delays in regulatory certification of the new World Business Class seats, the business-class cabin will not initially be available when the first two aircraft enter service. The seat manufacturer is working to complete certification as quickly as possible.

Premium Comfort and Economy Class will be available from the start of operations.

Part of €7 Billion Modernisation Programme

The A350 introduction forms part of KLM’s €7 billion fleet renewal programme, aimed at improving efficiency, reducing noise and lowering fuel consumption.

Alongside the A350, the investment includes:

• Additional Airbus A321neo aircraft for European routes.
• New Embraer E195-E2 aircraft for KLM Cityhopper.
• Additional Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft for intercontinental services.
• Future Airbus A350F freighters.

The arrival of the A350 marks an important milestone in KLM’s long-haul fleet modernisation and introduces a distinctive new way of celebrating Dutch cultural heritage across its aircraft fleet.