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The End of an Era: The First Boeing 737-800 Departs KLM’s Fleet

As part of their ongoing fleet renewal program, KLM’s first Boeing 737-800, registration PH-BXK, has completed its final flight and has been flown to Twente Airport for dismantling and recycling.


KLM's First Boeing 737-800 (Registration PH-BXK) Completes its Final Passenger Revenue Flight and Heads to Twente Airport for Dismantling - Courtesy KLM
KLM's First Boeing 737-800 (Registration PH-BXK) Completes its Final Passenger Revenue Flight and Heads to Twente Airport for Dismantling - Courtesy KLM

On Friday (December 5, 2025), KLM announced the end of an era as they retired their first Boeing 737-800, registration PH-BXK.  After disembarking its last passengers at Schiphol, the aircraft departed for a short trip to Twente Airport.  There, it was handed over to AELS, a company specialized in aircraft dismantling and recycling.  The engines and auxiliary power unit (APU) were removed by KLM Engineering & Maintenance for reuse within KLM’s own fleet. Other parts will be given a second life through AELS with other airlines or will be recycled.


KLM's First Boeing 737-800, Registration PH-BXK, is Dismantled by AELS at Twente Airport - Courtesy KLM


The phase-out of the Boeing 737-800 is part of KLM’s €7 billion investment in fleet renewal. The current Boeing 737s operating on European routes will gradually be replaced by Airbus A320neo and A321neos, which offer reduced emissions and a smaller noise footprint compared to the 737-800.  In January 2026, KLM’s second Boeing 737-800 will follow and also head to Twente Airport.  


The End of an Era: KLM Retires Their First Boeing 737-800 - Courtesy KLM

At KLM Cityhopper, new Embraer E195-E2s are replacing older Embraer 190s.  For intercontinental flights, four Boeing 787-10s have recently been added, with the last one expected in early 2026.  Next year, the Airbus A350-900 will join KLM’s fleet, replacing older Boeing 777s and Airbus A330s.  Cargo operations are also being renewed, with three new Airbus A350Fs on order to replace the airline’s aging 747 freighters.



Source: KLM Royal Dutch Airlines

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