Dear Colleagues, It was announced on Monday that KLM and Air France have ordered 50 A350s, with an option for 40 more aircraft depending on market and technological developments. This part of our fleet renewal programme will replace the B777-200s and A330s in the AFKL Group. As reported in Marjan Rintel’s CEO update, the new A350 is a beautiful aircraft for our customers and it is great to fly. What’s more, other factors including its price, our network and maintenance have played a role in our considerations. On long-haul flights, especially now with having to reroute due to the closure of Russian airspace, the A350 is the best option. The decision, however, is still subject to recommendation by the Works Council. Fleet renewal is a crucial step for our future and will result directly in cleaner, quieter and more fuel-efficient operations. If we want to keep flying, the CO2 emissions of our aircraft must be reduced, especially on long-haul flights. By upgrading our fleet, we can offer our passengers more comfort and better service, while also making our operations future-proof for intercontinental destinations. Impact of fleet choice on KLM E&M In order to maintain the new addition to the KLM fleet, our technicians will be retrained and licensed for the A350. The A350 will be joining the fleet in phases alongside the A320neo, which was ordered earlier. This means we will be maintaining a total of seven aircraft types over next few years. This obviously presents us with a complex situation. We will also continue to maintain the Boeing fleet in terms of fleet maintenance, engines, components and APUs. In that context, growth will continue for external customers. Here’s an overview of what the choosing for the A350 means for E&M’s various Business Units. Airframe While phasing-in the A350, the employees concerned will be retrained for this new aircraft type for Line Maintenance, A Checks (preventive/corrective) and C Checks. Component Services In the previous long-haul fleet order several years ago, Air France and KLM ordered B787s and A350s. At the time, agreements were also reached on how the work on both types would be divided between KLM Component Services and Air France Material Services. KLM became the pool owner of the B787, Air France became the pool owner of the A350, and repair work on both types was split 50-50 between France and the Netherlands. This work-sharing arrangement is still in place. With KLM now also operating the A350, we will continue to develop A350 components in-house. CS already possesses capabilities for a several A350 components. There is also the intended cooperation with Airbus for A350 component maintenance. The joint cooperative venture aims to increase market share for A350 component maintenance, thus increasing the number of components. Engine Services At Engine Services, volume is expected drop for the AFKL A330, the CF6-80E engine, and there will be no expansion of AFKL B787 volume. Work will remain possible for customers based on the GENX Brand Service Agreement (GBSA) contract until 2045 inclusive. Moreover, there are no profitable opportunities to set up Rolls Royce maintenance in AMS (both in terms of MRO and Repair). Engineering As with any new aircraft, the employees involved will be retrained for this new aircraft type. This will be a huge job for the Engineering department responsible for phasing-in and phasing-out KLM’s aircraft. For an extended period, Engineering will have to provide support for maintaining Wide Body support and standard-setting products for the Airbus A350/A330 as well as for the Boeing 777. What’s more, a list of FAQs has been prepared and included at the end of this Scope Special. Introducing the A350 at E&M The A350 is already part of the E&M portfolio, albeit to a limited extent at present. Line Maintenance International (LMI) colleagues already handle customers operating with the A350. Although to a very limited extent, this also applies to our colleagues from Component Services (repair). An E&M project team will be set up in the coming period to prepare for the arrival of the A350 at KLM E&M. The first A350 for KLM and A350 Freighter for Martinair are expected to be joining the fleet in 2026. In subsequent years, new aircraft will be joining each year until 2029. Prospects for KLM’s future This fleet choice presents challenges and uncertainties for KLM E&M. But, above all, it offers prospects for KLM’s future to operate cleaner, quieter and more fuel-efficient services. We will keep you posted! Yours sincerely, On behalf of E&M Management Team