KLM christens first Airbus A350 De Nachtwacht, but business class seats cannot be used yet

KLM has christened its first Airbus A350, De Nachtwacht, but the business-class lie-flat seats won’t be usable yet. KLM says the supplier’s seats have not been approved by the European regulator due to a “blunder,” and they may not be used until next spring. KLM CEO Marjan Rintel called it the only setback, emphasizing the aircraft as a flagship for fleet renewal and future efficiency. The A350 replaces aging Airbus A330s and also could become part of KLM’s intercontinental backbone, which currently relies on Boeing 777s. With 331 seats, it carries 15% to nearly 25% more passengers, while its takeoff and landing noise is claimed 40% lower than a 777.