Air France-KLM weighs Airbus A350-1000 and Boeing 777-9 for 777-300ER replacement

Air France-KLM is evaluating the Airbus A350-1000 and the Boeing 777-9 as potential replacements for its Boeing 777-300ER fleet, with a decision likely to be taken in the near term.

Chief executive Ben Smith said during a recent earnings call that the group is reviewing options for its long-haul 777-300ERs, citing production backlogs at both Airbus and Boeing as a factor in the timing.

The group operates 59 777-300ERs, including 43 at Air France and 16 at KLM. At Air France, the type is used on both core long-haul routes and high-density leisure services, with some aircraft configured to seat up to 472 passengers.

Smith identified two candidates: the Airbus A350-1000 and the Boeing 777-9, the latter still awaiting certification. Airbus is also studying a possible stretch of the A350-1000, named as ‘A350-2000’, though that work remains at an early stage.

Air France-KLM has already been renewing its widebody fleet with Airbus A350-900s and -1000s, which are replacing A330s and 777-200ERs. In 2023, the group signed a deal for 50 additional A350s, but later adjusted the mix, reducing the number of -1000 variants in favor of more -900s.

Air France has operated the A350-900 since 2019, while KLM is set to receive its first aircraft of the type this year. Both carriers also fly Boeing 787s as part of their long-haul operations.

Fleet simplification remains a priority, particularly for Air France. On short- and medium-haul routes, the airline is phasing out its Airbus A320ceo-family aircraft in favor of the Airbus A220. The outgoing A320ceo fleet includes the remaining Airbus A318s in commercial scheduled service worldwide, which continue to operate with Air France as they are gradually retired.

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