I was looking forward to the KLM 787-9 Inaugural Flight in 2015 . Due to financial issues, KLM will be delaying the delivery of 787s. As reported by Bloomberg on the 18th of March.
(Bloomberg) — Dutch airline KLM delayed the delivery of two Boeing Co. 787 aircraft and shelved plans for a new route to Edmonton, Canada, as it seeks to cut costs amid dwindling profit at parent company Air France-KLM Group.
KLM has agreed with Boeing to postpone the handover of two of the 10 Dreamliners it has on order, while Amsterdam-Edmonton flights, due to start in seven weeks, are off “until further notice,” spokesman Robbert Veldhuizen said by telephone.
KLM had even gone so far as to release the seat maps (online) for the new configuration, as shown below. This was going to be the first 1-2-1 business class configuration, similar to the new Air France business class configuration. In my opinion, perhaps, the nicest KLM World Business Class configuration of the numerous options currently available on the 777s, 747s, and A330s.
I am going to surmise we will have to wait until 2016 to experience the KLM 787-9. On a positive note, it is being reported that KLM labor negotiations are going well. This week, NL Times was reporting that there is a decent chance of a revised labor agreement being reached before the busy summer travel season.
Labor unions VHKP, NVLT and CNV, bargaining on behalf of KLM staff, say they are optimistic they will reach an agreement with KLM. In their latest proposal, the unions say they want to contribute to productivity measures and reduce costs to make KLM a more profitable airline, reports Z24.
I will be paying close attention to both KLM labor negotiations and the future of the KLM 787-9 “Dreamliner” program, hopefully with additional updates before the end of March.
UPDATED : Looks like I “jumped the gun,” and that the initial aircraft will still be delivered in October of 2015. So, perhaps, there is still hope. I reman cautiously optimistic.
What are your thoughts about the KLM 787-9 “Dreamliner” ?
