KLM Takes Delivery of First Boeing 787 Dreamliner

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has taken delivery of its first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.

KLM acquired the airplane through leasing company AerCap. The 787-9 complements and extends the 787 family.

With the fuselage stretched by 6 meters (20 feet) over the B787-8, the B787-9 can fly up to 20% more passengers and 23% more cargo.

In addition to this delivery, the Air France-KLM Group has 19 B787-9s and six B787-10s on order and will lease 12 B787s through AerCap.

KLM will operate its first B787-9 on the Amsterdam – Abu Dhabi – Bahrain service.  

"We are very proud to welcome our first Boeing 787 Dreamliner," said Pieter Elbers, KLM President & CEO. "This aircraft symbolizes a new phase in the future of KLM. Investment in our customers is one of our priorities. This efficient aircraft is part of that investment. It's testimony to the great work of 33,000 KLM employees, who are committed to giving their best for our customers every day."

The 787-9 leverages the visionary design of the 787-8, offering passenger-pleasing features such as larger windows, large overhead bins, modern LED lighting, air that is cleaner, more humid and at a higher pressure for greater comfort and technology that senses and counters turbulence for a smoother ride.