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9 Swallowtail ’ s tail
10 PH-AXA is powered by the CFM LEAP-1A
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certain challenges ,” he allowed , “ such as retraining crew or planning schedules . Such a complex operation requires capacity and flexibility from our people . We are working very hard on that , but the result is worth it .”
Transavia France took delivery of its first A320neo on January 10 . The aircraft , leased from Avolon , was delivered from the manufacturer ’ s site in Toulouse .
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The type is powered by the LEAP-1A engine and carries 186 seats . It is intended to directly replace the Boeing 737-800NG .
In just three weeks , both divisions of Transavia were flying the new airliners .
KLM ’ S TURN
On August 27 , a beautiful sunny day , it was KLM ’ s turn to
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take delivery of the first of four A321neos , closing the loop in the group ’ s renovation process . Once again , I had the pleasure of travelling to KLM ’ s Hangar 12 at Amsterdam Schiphol-Oost , this time to see the first A321neo wearing the iconic blue livery . This time , the ceremony was even more lavish , with delegates from universities , companies , and politics .
PH-AXA ( MSN 11895 ) landed on runway 27 and was then escorted on its long journey to the hangar . Amsterdam Schiphol offers some unbeatable plane-spotting locations , one of the most famous being the McDonalds just next to the runway . Here , a large crowd of plane spotters had gathered to see the new aircraft up close , and they were not disappointed . The A321neo taxied all the way back to the beginning of the runway before turning right toward Schiphol East .
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A few people gathered on the tarmac for a close view of the aircraft as it was being connected to the tug . Once it was inside Hangar 12 , executives from Air France-KLM deboarded and posed for a quick photo . On stage , Zita Schellekens , Senior Vice President ( SVP ) Strategy , Transformation & Sustainability at KLM , made introductions . KLM ’ s CEO Marjan Rintel and Barry Madlener , the Netherlands ’ Minister for Infrastructure and Water Management , also spoke . Rintel said that KLM employees had chosen the ‘ Butterflies ’ theme . It “ ties in nicely with the transformation we ’ re embarking on with the new fleet ,” Rintel said . “ The names of the first four A321neo aircraft will be Swallowtail ( Koninginnepage ), Peach Blossom ( Braamvlinder ), Com- |