First Boeing 737-800 Leaves KLM Fleet

Farewell to our first Boeing 737-800

After disembarking its last passengers at Schiphol, PH-BXK 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.

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 the Airbus A321neo, which produces less noise and CO₂ than the Boeing 737, contributing to a cleaner and quieter future. In January 2026, the second Boeing 737-800 will follow and also head to Twente Airport.

KLM is investing heavily in fleet modernization: on European routes, A320neo and A321neo aircraft will replace the Boeing 737. At KLM Cityhopper, new E195-E2 models 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 the fleet, replacing older Boeing 777s and A330s. Cargo operations are also being renewed: three A350Fs have been ordered to replace the 747 freighters.