KLM Airbus A350 Delayed

KLM is forecasting delays in the delivery of its Airbus A350, a blow to its fleet renewal plans.

Leading trade publication ch-aviation reports the delays that will affect the delivery of the next-generation plane.

At this stage, the expectation is that KLM can factor in an additional six to 12 months of wait time before its new planes are delivered from Airbus.

In September 2023, Air France-KLM placed a next-generation order, which at the time was an incremental one, comprising 90 A350s from Airbus; this consisted of 50 firm orders and 40 additional options.

However, much of the interest of this deal centred around the placement of A350s towards KLM, who had yet to fly the Airbus widebody, instead opting for, up until that point, the Boeing 787.

KLM intends for the Airbus A350s to help replace some of its ageing aircraft, such as the Boeing 777-200ERs and variants in the established A330 family, which are all averaging between 15 and 20 years of age.

Based on the need for replacement, well over 20 aircraft will be shipped off to make way for the delivery of these Airbus A350s, with confirmation expected in 2023 that a 2026 first delivery could be scheduled.

Ultimately, the shift to the A350 model meant a greater reliance on Airbus products, rather than opting for a type such as the 777X for fleet renewal.

The purchase of the Airbus widebody for KLM also came with the knowledge that the type had already long been operating within the group at Air France, thus presenting a more seamless integration.

A Problem For The A350

KLM confirming that the delivery of its newest product, the A350, would come with delays is hardly a surprise given what other airlines are also reporting.

For example, Australian flag carrier Qantas has experienced persistent delays in launching its A350-1000ULR program, which involves nonstop 20-hour flights.

While this carrier is launching services with a new product, the continued delays, which have pushed back the launch by years, are being felt around the industry and are now even affecting companies such as KLM.

One of the industry’s key battles is supply chain management. From airlines to aircraft manufacturers, these supply chains have been shattered, and keeping up with demand has become problematic when relying on global partners, each facing their own unique set of circumstances.

From the inability to acquire seats on time to installing them in cabins, to the late arrival of engines for new jets, to other complications with fuselage parts, Airbus has been facing challenges for several years.

Airbus had planned to continue increasing output rates to meet demand for its A350 series, with rewards to be achieved through the increases, such as greater financial stability; however, this has proved challenging.

By 2025, Airbus is underperforming in terms of delivery figures for the first half of the calendar year, representing a decline from the same period in 2024.