KLM's first Boeing 787-10 has taken to the air for the first time. The aircraft is being manufactured by Boeing in Charleston. Here it has received a special livery, marking 100 years of KLM.KLM Boeing 787-10New aircraft are always exciting for any carrier, and there will be plenty of them. In fact, while both British Airways and Virgin Atlantic are expecting their first A350s soon, ANA received their first A380 earlier this year. KLM, meanwhile, will be receiving their first Boeing 787-10, which will complement their existing Boeing 787 fleet.

Destined for KLM

KLM is owned by the same group as Air France. Air France-KLM has a number of aircraft on order including the Airbus A350-900, and a bunch of Boeing 787s. These were all set to be split between KLM and Air France, however earlier this year the plan was changed. It is now thought that Air France will exclusively operate the Airbus A350-900.

In exchange, it is thought that KLM will exclusively operate the Boeing 787-10. Air France-KLM has a total of eight Boeing 787-10s on order. This is compared to 28 Airbus A350s. So far four other airlines have received the Boeing 787-10. These are:

  • Singapore Airlines (11)
  • United Airlines (9)
  • Etihad Airways (6)
  • All Nippon Airways (1)

100 years of KLM

This year, KLM will celebrate 100 years of operations. While British Airways is celebrating their 100th birthday slightly earlier, their 100 years is made up of mergers and name changes. In fact, in 1919, it was Air Transport and Travel which operated BA's first flight. Meanwhile, KLM itself was founded on 7th October 1919. As such, KLM is the world's oldest airline running on the same brand throughout.

In order to celebrate this historic milestone, KLM's first Boeing 787-10 has been decorated with a special livery. The aircraft, named Orange Blossom, has a large 100 painted on the side. That is accompanied by a swooping Dutch flag. While it stands out as different, KLM could've done more to make the aircraft stand out. This could've extended to a retro livery, such as British Airway's 100th celebrations.

First flight

The first flight of the KLM Boeing 787-10 took place on Saturday. The aircraft, registered PH-BKA, took a scenic test flight around Charleston's surrounding land and sea. In fact, the flight lasted 1-hour and 52-minutes arriving back where it started after flying 894 miles. During the flight, the aircraft reached a height of 38,000ft.

The aircraft's first flight followed this route. Source: FlightAware

Following the flight, the aircraft flew a further 19 minutes completing two circuits at Charleston's Airport. These were completed one in each direction. KLM should receive their first Boeing 787-10 later this summer.

We can't wait to see the 787-10's unique livery join the KLM fleet! What do you think of it? Let us know in the comments!