KLM Airbus A350-900 PH-ZNA De Nachtwacht on its delivery flight to Amsterdam

KLM’s First Airbus A350 Lands: PH-ZNA “De Nachtwacht”

by Fortuné Leroy | Oct 3, 2026 | Monde de l'aviation, Nouvelles | 0 comments

KLM's long-haul future touched down at Schiphol on Friday afternoon, 2 October. Airbus A350-900 PH-ZNA, named "De Nachtwacht" after Rembrandt's Night Watch, landed in Amsterdam after a delivery flight from Toulouse, the first of 22 A350s for the Dutch flag carrier.

It is the start of a long-awaited renewal for one of the world's oldest airlines, which has been flying some of its widebodies for well over two decades. The new jet enters commercial service on the Amsterdam to Toronto route on 30 October.

Informations clés

Aéronef: Airbus A350-900, registration PH-ZNA, MSN 809
Nom: "De Nachtwacht" (The Night Watch)
Livré: 2 October 2026, ferried from Toulouse to Amsterdam
Cabine: 331 seats: 34 World Business Class, 26 Premium Comfort, 271 Economy
Premier itinéraire : Amsterdam to Toronto from 30 October 2026
Commande: First of 22 A350-900s for KLM
Remplace : Airbus A330-200/-300 and Boeing 777-200ER

Rembrandt on the nose

KLM has a long tradition of naming its aircraft, and for the A350 family it has turned to Dutch art. The first jet is "De Nachtwacht", and the second, PH-ZNB, will be "Het Meisje met de Parel", Vermeer's Girl with a Pearl Earring.

The aircraft got the traditional water-cannon salute on arrival at Schiphol, which marked the moment with its own video.

What passengers get

The A350 carries 331 passengers in three classes. World Business Class has 34 suites, all with direct aisle access, alongside 26 seats in Premium Comfort and 271 in Economy, of which 33 are Economy Comfort, according to Aviacionline.

“Fleet renewal is one of the most effective ways to make our operations cleaner, quieter and more fuel efficient.”

Marjan Rintel — CEO of KLM, as quoted by Aviacionline

The A350-900 is powered by two Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines and built largely of composite materials, which is where the efficiency gains over the A330s and 777-200ERs it will replace come from.

KLM Airbus A330-200 PH-AOA landing at Toronto Pearson — A KLM Airbus A330-200 at Toronto Pearson. The A350 replaces the A330s and 777-200ERs, and starts on the Toronto route. Photo: BriYYZ / CC BY-SA 2.0

Toronto first, then Africa

The A350 starts flying Amsterdam to Toronto, as flights KL691 and KL692, on 30 October, five times a week at first and daily from March 2027. Montreal follows on 30 November, and East African destinations including Kilimanjaro, Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar and Nairobi are planned for December and January.

Two more A350s are due to follow PH-ZNA, one later in 2026 and one in March 2027, before deliveries pick up. KLM's order is part of a larger Air France-KLM group commitment to the type. For a Dutch airline that has spent years flying older widebodies than many of its rivals, the Night Watch has arrived right on time.

Sources: Aviacionline, aviationnews.eu, aeroTELEGRAPH, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, KLM

Foire aux questions

When did KLM receive its first Airbus A350?

KLM took delivery of its first Airbus A350-900, PH-ZNA, on 2 October 2026. The aircraft flew from Toulouse to Amsterdam Schiphol the same day.

What is the name of KLM's first A350?

KLM's first A350-900 is named "De Nachtwacht", The Night Watch, after Rembrandt's painting. The second, PH-ZNB, will be named after Vermeer's Girl with a Pearl Earring.

How many seats does the KLM A350 have?

The KLM A350-900 has 331 seats: 34 in World Business Class, 26 in Premium Comfort and 271 in Economy, including 33 Economy Comfort seats.

Where will the KLM A350 fly first?

KLM's A350 enters service on Amsterdam to Toronto on 30 October 2026, followed by Montreal on 30 November and East African routes such as Kilimanjaro, Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar and Nairobi in December and January.

How many A350s has KLM ordered?

KLM is due to receive 22 Airbus A350-900s, which will replace its Airbus A330-200s and A330-300s and its Boeing 777-200ERs.