First new KLM Boeing 737-700 delivered

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines will be deploying the modern, more economical Boeing 737-700 on its European routes. KLM’s first new Boeing 737-700 touched down at Schiphol last night. KLM has ordered a total of thirteen of this type of aircraft.

The Boeing 737-700s will be replacing the current Boeing 737-300s and 737-400s in phases. Purchasing aircraft of this type fits in with KLM’s vigorous fleet renewal program. This extensive program, which kicked off in 2002, involves an amount of €3 billion. Three more B737-700s will be arriving later this year. For the time being, delivery of the last is expected in 2011. The first new aircraft in this series has been called Gold Crest, in line with the other B737s in the fleet that are all named after birds.

Fleet renewal at KLM means investing in sustainability. The new aircraft produce less CO2 as they feature new-generation engines. Their winglets improve the aircraft’s aerodynamics and therefore reduce CO2 emissions further. On long-haul flights, the new aircraft uses more than 7% less fuel per seat in comparison with the Boeing 737-300.

The aircraft offers seat capacity for 129 passengers and will be deployed on medium-haul routes. Passengers will enjoy greater comfort than on the current Boeing 737-300s. For example, the Europe Select Class offers more legroom and all the seats boast power sockets for a laptop or mobile phone charger. The KLM’s B737 new fleet will in fact offer these features by the end of the year.

Overhead video systems will also have been built in by the end of the year. The new system offers passengers audio selection and provides flight tracking information. Transit passengers will also be able to view information on connecting flights.

The Boeing 737-700 is the second of new types of aircraft to be introduced by KLM this year. Earlier this year, the new Boeing 777-300ER was introduced on long-haul flights.

Source: American Shipper