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In preparation for KLM's 100th anniversary later this October the Skyteam member announced their vision of sustainable and more environmentally friendly future of air travel. The Royal Dutch airline President and CEO Pieter Elbers and Dean of Faculty of Aerospace Engineering at Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) Professor Henri Werij signed a new cooperative agreement to work together on a radical new airplane design, the "Flying-V." The aircraft's v-shape design will integrate the passenger cabin, the cargo hold and fuel tanks in the wings. The improved aerodynamic shape and reduced weight will mean the aircraft will use 20% less fuel than the Airbus A350 - today's most advance aircraft. The wingspan will be the same as the A350, however it will be shorter in length. It is anticipated it will be able to accommodate the same number of passengers 314 in the standard configuration and the same volume of cargo space of 160 cubic meters.
Perhaps the most exciting redesign of the flying-v will be in the passenger experience. Engineers and researchers will have a unique opportunity to redefine cabin classes and what the passenger spaces will look like from first class suites, premium economy cabins to economy.
A flying scale model and full-size section of the interior of the Flying-V will be officially presented at the KLM Experience Days at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol in October marking their First Century Anniversary.
“In recent years, KLM has developed as a pioneer in sustainability within the airline industry. The development of aviation has given the world a great deal, offering us an opportunity to connect people. This privilege is paired with a huge responsibility for our planet. KLM takes this very seriously and has therefore been investing in sustainability at different levels for many years, enabling it to develop a broad spectrum of sustainability initiatives. We are proud of our progressive cooperative relationship with TU Delft, which ties in well with KLM’s strategy and serves as an important milestone for us on the road to scaling-up sustainable aviation.”
KLM President & CEO Pieter Elbers
“We are incredibly pleased to be able to cooperate with our trusted partner KLM on our combined mission to make aviation more sustainable. Radically new and highly energy-efficient aircraft designs such as the Flying-V are important in this respect, as are new forms of propulsion. Our ultimate aim is one of emission free flight. Our cooperation with KLM offers a tremendous opportunity to bring about real change.”
Henri Werij, dean of the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering at TU Delft
Some reports suggest that the Flying-V will not be commercially in operation for another 20+ years. Would you want to fly on this new air design?
Interested in learning more about Schiphol Experience - get a behind the scenes look at the Netherland's largest airport. Click here to learn more about this one hour bus tour that shows you all the secrets of the airport. ⚠️ Tour is available only in Dutch.
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BC Tour registration #2806 Personal Travel Management - departuresXdean
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