By Andrea Hargraves 
On December 16, 2021, the Board of Directors of Air France-KLM took a decision to advance the group’s goal of improving its economic and environmental performance through the introduction of next-generation aircraft. By doing so, the group has also demonstrated its ability to benefit from purchasing synergies.
With a confirmed order for 100 aircraft of the Airbus A320neo family – with the right to purchase an additional 60 aircraft, the group secures the renewal of the KLM and Transavia Netherlands fleets, as well as the renewal and expansion of the Transavia France fleet.
The order covers Airbus A320neo and Airbus A321neo aircraft. The first deliveries are scheduled for the second half of 2023. These aircraft will operate on medium-range routes in Europe, particularly from Amsterdam and Paris Orly, the main base in French Transavia.
Compared to previous generation aircraft, the A320neo offers a unit cost reduction of over 10%, as well as a 15% reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.2. The noise footprint is also 50% smaller.
Cabin configuration details will be announced later.
Briga Boeing x Airbus
Earlier in the year, KLM launched a pricing process aimed at replacing the Boeing 737NG fleet with newer aircraft. At the time, it contacted the two major companies, Boeing and Airbus, to request terms of a potential deal on 80 aircraft and between 60 and 80 options.
Until a few years ago, Boeing remained a fleet supplier to KLM and that was a fact. However, today things have changed surprisingly. That’s because Airbus had a huge advantage in winning that contract, which is a huge blow to Boeing, as the Dutch company has been a loyal customer for decades.
The sources quoted by Reuters indicate that in addition to the performance of the aircraft, the good moment for relations with the French arm of the group weighs in the balance in order to reach an agreement with the European manufacturer. At the same time, problems with the 787 delaying delivery are affecting the relationship with Boeing.