Air France-KLM Shifts Majority of A350-1000 Orders to A350-900 Models

PARIS- The Air France-KLM Group has revamped its strategy for widebody aircraft orders, shifting the majority of its Airbus A350-1000 requests to the more compact Airbus A350-900. This modification has implications for the airline’s long-term fleet renewal initiatives operating from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) and Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS).

This strategic change is a follow-up to the airline group’s commitment in 2023 to acquire 50 A350 aircraft, initially slated for a mix of A350-900 and A350-1000 models aimed at replacing older Airbus A330 and Boeing 777 jets. Recent production data from Airbus confirms a notable pivot towards the A350-900 variant.

Air France-KLM Orders

As reported in Airbus backlog data for the first seven months of 2025, the Air France-KLM Group has transitioned 8 of its 11 A350-1000 requests to the A350-900 model.

This shift underscores the group’s emphasis on flexibility, fuel economy, and meeting network demands effectively.

Previously, Air France had placed a distinct order for 38 A350-900s, out of which 36 have already been delivered, in addition to four A350 Freighters.

This latest agreement for 50 aircraft positions the airline group to potentially become the largest operator of the A350 worldwide.

According to reports from Flight Global, this decision reflects a broader trend within the industry, focusing on aircraft types that better align with shifting travel demands.

Airbus A350 Program Orders

According to the latest data from Airbus:

• A350-900: 1,009 total orders
• A350-1000: 354 total orders
• A350F: 65 total orders

These statistics highlight the increasing preference for the A350-900 variant in global fleet strategies, as airlines value its efficiency, range, and passenger accommodation.

Cargo Fleet Adjustments

The cargo division of the group, Martinair, also experienced an alteration in its Airbus A350F order status. The latest figures indicate the removal of one A350 Freighter from its original commitment for four units, possibly reflecting a shift in anticipated cargo needs.

Airbus’s updated backlog reveals that the total A350F orders for Martinair have now decreased to three.

This adjustment corresponds with the hybrid cargo strategy adopted by Air France KLM, which integrates dedicated freighters along with belly cargo capacity from passenger planes.

The A350 Freighter, equipped with a 122-ton payload and a spacious cargo door, is crucial for supporting the group’s dedication to sustainable cargo practices, even with delivery delays now expected until mid-2027, leading to this reevaluation.