The Air France-KLM Group
has placed a firm order for 10 additional wide-body Airbus A350-900s, taking its total order
for the type to 38 aircraft and allowing the operator to benefit from a significant reduction in fuel burn and CO₂ emissions. The A350 XWBs are intended to be operated by Air France.

Benjamin Smith, CEO of Air France-KLM Group, said: “Rationalising and modernising the fleet is central to our effort to regain our leading position in Europe.

"It will strengthen our performance from both an economic and operational standpoint — and help us deliver on our ambitious sustainability agenda.

"Offering a 25% reduction in fuel consumption compared to previous-generation aircraft, the Airbus A350-900 will become a core asset of the Air France fleet.”

Air France-KLM currently operates a fleet of 159 Airbus aircraft.

The A350 XWB features the latest aerodynamic design, a carbon-fibre fuselage and wings, and new fuel-efficient Rolls-Royce engines.

By the end of November, the A350 XWB Family (www.airbus.com) had received 959 firm orders from 51 customers world-wide.