October 31, 2026 — KLM’s first Airbus A350-900 was scheduled to carry its first passengers on October 30 on KL691 Amsterdam–Toronto, but its 34 business class seats remain blocked pending certification.
What happened
AeroCorner reports the aircraft, PH-ZNA “The Night Watch,” was set to fly KL691 from Schiphol to Toronto Pearson on October 30, returning as KL692. At the time of writing it had not departed, so the first flight’s operation is reported as scheduled. KLM blames a “revised interpretation of regulatory requirements” by aviation authorities for the business seat delay; a date for opening business class has not been confirmed by KLM (TBA).
| Cabin | Seats |
|---|---|
| World Business (not sold yet) | 34 |
| Premium Comfort | 26 |
| Economy | 271 |
| Sellable now | 297 of 331 |
The A350 is scheduled on Toronto five times a week, going daily from March 3, 2027, though some dates still show a Boeing 787-10. Further A350 routes reported by Aeroroutes: Montreal (December 14 to January 1), Kilimanjaro and Dar es Salaam (from December 15), Zanzibar (from December 20) and Nairobi (from January 5, 2027). KLM says the jet burns about 25% less fuel than older aircraft.
What it means for non-revs
- On A350-operated flights there is no business class to upgrade into. Passengers booked in business are reportedly being moved to Premium Comfort, which may fill that cabin. Plan on economy.
- With 34 seats blocked, the A350 offers fewer sellable seats than its full layout, so loads on AMS–YYZ may run tighter than the seat count suggests.
- Check the aircraft type for your date before listing: some Toronto flights are still operated by the 787-10, which has business class open.
Sources
- AeroCorner: KLM's First Airbus A350 Is Due to Carry Passengers on October 30, With Business Class Still Closed
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