KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has reached a key milestone in its long-haul fleet renewal program with the assembly of its first Airbus A350-900 (MSN 809) at Airbus’ Toulouse facility in France. The aircraft, adorned with KLM’s signature livery, is scheduled for delivery before the end of summer 2026.

The A350-900 represents a major step toward a cleaner and more efficient fleet. Compared with older models, it consumes 25% less fuel and produces 40% less noise, aligning with KLM’s broader €7 billion investment in modernizing its aircraft over the coming years.

MSN 809, equipped with two Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-84 engines, has reached station 40B on the Final Assembly Line, where wings and landing gear are attached to the carbon-fiber fuselage. The tail, bearing KLM’s iconic logo, is already installed, with winglets and engines to be fitted in a subsequent assembly stage.

A select group of Dutch media visited the Toulouse facility to observe the aircraft’s assembly. Following completion of the exterior paint and testing, MSN 809 will undergo customer acceptance flights before entering commercial service. KLM has also been training pilots in collaboration with Air France and Finnair, and introduced the Netherlands’ first A350-900 flight simulator in October 2025 to ensure crews are prepared.

The aircraft will feature 331 seats across four cabins: 34 Business Class, 26 Premium Comfort, 33 Economy Comfort, and 238 Economy. All seats include USB-C charging, Panasonic Astrova in-flight entertainment, and Viasat connectivity. Electronically dimmable windows, a lower cabin altitude, and advanced aerodynamics are designed to enhance passenger comfort. The cockpit is fully digital, offering pilots new operational tools.

The A350-900 will replace KLM’s aging Airbus A330-200, A330-300, and Boeing 777-200ER aircraft on intercontinental routes. The first plane is expected to serve Toronto and Dar es Salaam, with additional deliveries scheduled through 2027. Its extended range and operational flexibility allow it to cover both the A330 and 777 networks while avoiding Russian airspace.

KLM’s €7 billion fleet renewal also includes the introduction of Boeing 787-10s, Airbus A321neos, and Embraer E195-E2 regional jets. With the A350, next-generation aircraft are projected to account for around 70% of the fleet by the end of the decade. On the cargo side, the Airbus A350F freighter will join Air France-KLM operations in 2027, replacing Boeing 747-400Fs. The modern design reduces fuel consumption per seat and noise output, supporting Amsterdam Schiphol Airport’s environmental standards.

Source: AVIATION A2Z

Riyadh Air and Saudia have announced the implementation of the first phase of their Strategic Cooperation Agreement, marking a major step in strengthening connectivity under Saudi Arabia’s National Aviation Strategy.

The partnership builds on a Memorandum of Understanding signed in November 2023 and enables the two airlines to expand travel options for domestic and international passengers.

As part of the first phase, Riyadh Air has established a connection with Saudia’s Passenger Service System (PSS), allowing the carriers to implement their codeshare across their respective technology platforms.

Under the RX-SV codeshare, Riyadh Air will place its “RX” designator on selected Saudia-operated flights from Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport to six domestic destinations: Abha, Al Qassim, Dammam, Jeddah, Medina and Tabuk.

The agreement will give Riyadh Air passengers access to additional destinations worldwide through convenient connections in Riyadh. For example, travelers from Dammam can connect via Riyadh to Madrid on a single ticket, while passengers flying from Kuala Lumpur can connect through Riyadh to Medina.

By using Saudia’s frequent services between Riyadh and the six codeshare destinations, Riyadh Air will offer passengers more convenient connections aligned with the arrival and departure schedules of its flights at Riyadh.

Both airlines operate within the King Khalid International Airport Terminal 1-4 complex, enabling passengers to benefit from streamlined connections, single-ticket journeys and through-checked baggage to their final destinations.

The first phase represents a significant step toward deeper cooperation between Saudi Arabia’s two national carriers and supports the Kingdom’s broader ambitions to expand its global aviation network.

Source: aaco.org

SalamAir has announced the establishment of Salalah’s first-ever airline base, marking a major step in the airline’s expansion and strengthening direct international connectivity from Oman’s Dhofar Governorate.

The new Salalah-based operation will initially serve three international destinations: Jeddah in Saudi Arabia, Chattogram in Bangladesh and Calicut in India. Bookings opened on August 26, with flights scheduled to begin from the end of October as part of SalamAir’s Winter 2026 schedule.

The base follows SalamAir’s expanded operations during the 2026 Khareef season, when the airline increased capacity on the Muscat-Salalah route to as many as 15 daily flights during peak periods.

The airline also introduced special domestic fares for Omani nationals, with one-way tickets starting from OMR 9.99, supporting affordable travel between Muscat and Salalah.

The new base is expected to extend SalamAir’s role beyond the Khareef season by supporting year-round travel demand among residents and expatriate communities in Dhofar while offering more direct access to key regional and international destinations.

Operations from Salalah will be supported by SalamAir’s Airbus A320neo and A321neo fleet. The airline currently operates 18 aircraft, providing additional flexibility to support growing demand across its network.

During the winter season, SalamAir will also operate charter flights linking Salalah with Astana and Almaty in Kazakhstan, supporting inbound tourism from Central Asia.

The Salalah base forms part of SalamAir’s wider strategy to expand its network from key airports across Oman, develop underserved markets and stimulate new travel demand while supporting the growth of the Sultanate’s aviation and tourism sectors.

Source: ZAWYA