Dutch only:
http://www.luchtvaartnieuws.nl/news/?id=11252
PARIS – KLM will replace its fleet of Boeing B737-300s and ‘400s with new B737s. This was reported by KLM CEO Leo van Wijk today to Luchtvaartnieuws. The replacement of these planes, used on European routes, will start when the lease contracts expire. Out of 27 planes 15 are leased.
According to Leo van Wijk de new B737s will cut fuel consumption with eight percent. At the moment a large part of the KLM fleet already consists of ‘800s and ‘900s. That’s largely the same plane as the ‘300 and ‘400, but with newer more ecnomical engines, explains Van Wijk.
The ‘300s and ‘400s are currently the oldest planes in the KLM fleet. The first of this type was introduced to KLM in 1986. Late 1990s the first 737NGs where added. KLMs partner, Air France, is also replacing its classic 737s, however they choose the A320 family.
KLM is considering to equip their existing 737s with blended winglets. Van Wijk said a decission had yet to be made. Earlier KLM’s charter arm Transavia decided to install them. “Because of the high fuelprices blended winglets are a good option to save fuel” says Leo van Wijk.
By: steve rowell - 24th November 2005 at 00:01
I think as a newer model is introduced, the superseded model is automatically referred to as a classic
By: tenthije - 23rd November 2005 at 21:56
Oh, the impetuosity of youth! :rolleyes:
Surely the B737-100/200 is a classic airliner design by anyone’s standards?
it’s empetuousness of youth
By: Grey Area - 23rd November 2005 at 21:43
Oh, the impetuosity of youth! :rolleyes:
Surely the B737-100/200 is a classic airliner design by anyone’s standards?
By: tenthije - 23rd November 2005 at 20:45
Although I see KLM as very much a Boeing airline despite recently addding some A330s I though that they might have choosen the A320 family based on their now owner Air France operate a major Airbus fleet. I would have that between the 2 airlines they could have saved alot of money by operating a similar fleet but I guess not.
It’s just as what easyJet said when they bought their A319s. As long as your fleet gets over ## planes (50 I believe, but not sure) it will be sustainable. AFs A320-family fleet is in the 100. KLMs 737 fleet (including Transavia which they own 100%) is in the 70ish. Also, KLM does a fair amount of maintenance and overhaul for other carriers on their 737s, which is another nice stream of revenue.
By: SHAMROCK321 - 23rd November 2005 at 20:36
Although I see KLM as very much a Boeing airline despite recently addding some A330s I though that they might have choosen the A320 family based on their now owner Air France operate a major Airbus fleet. I would have that between the 2 airlines they could have saved alot of money by operating a similar fleet but I guess not.
By: Ren Frew - 23rd November 2005 at 20:30
I always consider the 100/200 series to be the classics. The 300 came out in 1984??? or so, and was very much deemed to be a “next generation” model by the aviation press at the time. (as I recall)
So I’d consider the current lot to be the 3rd gen editions of the 737 to be honest? 😀
By: Grey Area - 23rd November 2005 at 19:22
It must be an age thing, but then I am quite old……
I’m going with tenthije’s theory, anyway. :D:D:D
By: Future Pilot - 23rd November 2005 at 18:54
Nah – I always thought the B737-100/200/300/400/500 were referred to as “Classics” with the 600/700/800/900 series referred to as the “Next Generation” B737s
By: seahawk - 23rd November 2005 at 18:52
No 737 IBG – in between generation
By: tenthije - 23rd November 2005 at 18:49
Then what are the ‘300 and ‘400?
Does that make them the 737NQCBNQNGE? Short for “737 Not Quite Classic But Not Quite Next Generation Either”.
By: Grey Area - 23rd November 2005 at 18:43
I always thought that the “Classics” were the -100 and -200 series.
Must be an age thing….. :D:D:D
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November 23, 2005 at 6:18 pm