KLM to replace 737-300 and -400 in 737NG

V-Bird · Post by **V-Bird** » 23 Nov 2005, 23:22

Luchtvaartnieuws.nl reperted that KLM will replace all there 737-300 and 737-400 planes into 737 next generation planes. KLM operates the 737-800 and 737-900.

© luchtvaartnieuws.nl

http://www.luchtvaartnieuws.nl/news/?id=11252

AirbusA350 · Post by **AirbusA350** » 29 Nov 2005, 02:42

I don't see a reason why KL would not continue its fleet update without the B737NG. To achieve commonality on the short/medium haul fleet KL should continue to add more B737's and certainly B737NG aircraft. It is to late for KL to swap types and there is no possibility for any Airbus replacements. Time has proved that B737's were the right choice for KL and as of right now they assimilate uniquely into the network and demand factors for the carrier. Since KL is satisfied with the 733/4 there might be an order, a varied one, for a mix of jets. First of all the 733's- the best replacement here is the 73G, secondary the 734 will be replaced with the 738's and I think it is safe for us to consider that KL might be heading for some 739ER. The Eastern network can be developed a little more by KL, a great fit for the newly developed Boeing 737-900ER. KL will loose its B763, airplanes that are a little mediocre for routes to the Eastern parts of Russia, although they fit fine for routes to the Middle East. This place can be retaken by the 739ER for routes to the East, the plan is to send smaller planes more often, the airline will not waste money on sending bigger planes that require a substantially higher load-factor to achieve profitability. Some high density routes inside Europe also can be served if a need exists. Summing up KL can be commended for their current use of the B737's, in the future it is good to display interest for the B737NG's to continue their accomplishments already pioneered by the B737's.

earthman · Post by **earthman** » 29 Nov 2005, 13:43

My flight yesterday, WAW-AMS with a 734, had a load factor of 54%. However, KLM is scaling back to two daily flights on that route. On the other hand, LOT had two daily flights with some 737 or other (I think usually a -500), but now they do three, two with an E170 and one with an ERJ145.

Then again, almost all passengers on the KLM flights transfer on to other flights at AMS.

I wonder how many other European KLM routes are mainly feeder flights?