The Air France–KLM (AFI KLM) Group has signed a memorandum of understanding for 60 A220-300 aircraft to modernise its fleet as it revealed its operating income for the second quarter of 2019 rose 15.6% to €400 million.
The introduction of the A220-300 aircraft will see, the earlier than planned, retirement of all 10 A380 superjumbos from its 541-plane fleet, as the airline aims to improve the airline's short and medium-haul flight options; as well as trim its fuel costs which are still high.
AFI KLM has said it expects to trim its fuel bill increase for the full year 2019 to €550 million from a previously forecast €650 million. The change to A220-300 aircraft is said to be the catalyst for the forecast change.
Benjamin Smith, CEO of the Air France-KLM Group. commented: “The acquisition of these brand new A220-300s aligns perfectly with Air France–KLM’s overall fleet modernisation and harmonisation strategy.
“This aircraft demonstrates optimum operational and economic efficiency and enables us to further improve our environment footprint thanks to the A220’s low fuel consumption and reduced emissions. It is also perfectly adapted to our domestic and European network and will enable Air France to operate more efficiently on its short and medium-haul routes."
The news of the modernisation comes as the airline reported its revenues rose 6.4% revenue to €7.05 billion with its unit costs falling 2.3%, while the fuel bill increased by €220 million.