What happened
KLM is set to take delivery of its first Airbus A350-900 in August 2026, with commercial service launching in September 2026 on the Amsterdam to Toronto route. The aircraft features the STELIA Aerospace OPERA seating platform in business class, identical to Air France's newer A350s. However, due to a revised interpretation of regulatory requirements by aviation authorities, the certification for these specific business class seats is not yet complete. As a result, when the first two aircraft enter service, the business class cabin will be empty, and passengers will likely fly in premium economy or economy. The seat manufacturer is working to complete certification to make the cabin available as soon as possible. The fleet will eventually have 34 business class seats, 26 premium economy, 33 extra-legroom economy, and 238 standard economy seats