Air France-KLM has modified its aircraft order with Airbus, shifting most of its requests for the larger A350-1000 model to the smaller A350-900. This change is reflected in Airbus’ latest published order backlog and occurs about two years after Air France-KLM’s original commitment to purchase the A350-1000.
The adjustment means that Air France-KLM will be taking delivery of more A350-900s than previously planned, reducing its expected intake of the larger -1000 variant. The reasons behind this decision have not been publicly disclosed by either Air France-KLM or Airbus.
This move follows a trend among some airlines to favor slightly smaller widebody aircraft, which may offer operational flexibility and better suit certain market conditions.