The Franco-Dutch airline Air France-KLM announced on Friday that it has placed a definitive order with Airbus for four freighters and three passenger planes as part of efforts to update its fleet.
Air France-KLM Group
Martinair, a division of the Air France-KLM Group, has given Airbus a definitive order for four brand-new A350 freighters. In the second half of 2026, the airline’s present Boeing 747 freighters will be replaced by production freighters, which Martinair will fly on KLM Cargo’s behalf.
KLM’s CEO, Marjan Rintel, said
“Fleet renewal is a crucial component of KLM’s objective to become more sustainable. We accept responsibility for this. Due to the climate, we aim to produce less CO2 while also lowering noise levels for the locals. Compared to its predecessors, the A350F decreases noise by 50% and CO2 by over 40%.
“For that reason, we chose to place this order earlier than anticipated. We will swap out the freighters starting in the fall of 2026 rather than in 2027. With this, we are quickening KLM’s environmental efforts.
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According to KLM, the four A350Fs produce 50% less noise and emit over 40% less CO2 than their predecessors.
The A350F has an exceptionally large cargo deck. Every effort has been made to reduce take-off weight by using lighter materials. The Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines, which are effective and efficient, help to lower CO2 emissions and noise pollution. The selected configuration can carry up to 108 tonnes of cargo.
Air France-KLM Cargo
Adriaan den Heijer, managing director of Martinair and executive vice president of Air France-KLM Cargo, added: “By selecting the A350F, we are taking an important step to reduce CO2 emissions and noise pollution. The addition of two brand-new, hi-tech aircraft to the fleet, which is a good fit for the Air France KLM Martinair Cargo operation, has my full approval.
“The A350F’s flexibility is fantastic news for the future of our clients. The new plane is a significant addition, enhancing the passenger capacity of our large international passenger fleet.
Following the signing of a Letter of Intent (LOI) in December 2021, Air France-KLM concluded an order with Airbus for four A350F freighters in April 2022, with the option to purchase an additional four aircraft.
In a new alliance that also includes integrating their cargo operations, CMA CGM stated in May of last year that it intended to buy a 9% interest in KLM Group. The dedicated air freight division of the Air France-KLM Group is called Air France KLM Martinair Cargo.
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