KLM Officially Commissions the First Airbus A350 Flight Simulator in the Netherlands
- Joe Breitfeller
- 1 hour ago
- 1 min read
KLM has announced the commissioning of the first Airbus A350 flight simulator in the Netherlands, as the carrier prepares for the arrival of their first A350, which will join KLM's fleet at the end of 2026.
On Friday (October 3, 2025), KLM announced the official commissioning of the first Airbus A350 flight simulator in the Netherlands. This advanced simulator will provide KLM pilots with training on the latest technologies and procedures in a realistic and safe environment. This milestone precedes the arrival of KLM's first A350, which is scheduled for delivery in late 2026. The new flight simulator was built by CAE in Montreal, where the acceptance process also took place, much like it’s done with an actual aircraft.
KLM's New Airbus A350 Flight Simulator - Courtesy KLM
Following extensive cockpit and systems testing in Canada, the simulator was shipped to Europe in parts. Due to its size, installation at Schiphol-East presented a logistical challenge, as the simulator couldn’t fit through the main gate. To solve the problem, it was hoisted over the gate, and is now fully installed and ready for use by the first group of A350 pilots.
With the introduction of the A350, KLM continues to modernize their fleet. The aircraft delivers a 40 percent smaller noise footprint and consumes 25 percent less fuel compared to older-generation aircraft. Thanks to the use of lightweight materials such as composites and titanium, the A350 can fly longer distances with lower emissions.
Source: KLM Royal Dutch Airlines