KLM’s First A350 Flies to Toronto - but Business Seats Stay Empty
KLM has flown its first passenger service with an Airbus A350-900, sending the new aircraft from Amsterdam Schiphol to Toronto on 30 October 2026. The jet, named De Nachtwacht after Rembrandt's The Night Watch, carried passengers and eight tonnes of cargo on flight KL691. Toronto is already on KLM's network, but the aircraft brings a quieter cabin and an important catch for anyone hoping to book Business Class.
Where KLM’s A350 Will Fly
- Airline: KLM Royal Dutch Airlines.
- Aircraft: Airbus A350-900, De Nachtwacht.
- Debut: 30 October 2026, flight KL691.
- Route: Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) to Toronto Pearson (YYZ), nonstop.
- A350 frequency: Five of KLM's 12 weekly Toronto flights.
- Inaugural schedule: 13:30 Amsterdam departure; 16:40 Toronto arrival, local.
- Season: Winter 2026–27.
- Later routes: Montreal, Kilimanjaro, Dar es Salaam, Nairobi and Zanzibar.
- Fares: No special fare announced.
KLM's A350 has Bluetooth audio for wireless headphones, Wi-Fi and USB-C charging in Economy. Its 26-seat Premium Comfort cabin is available, but 34 World Business Class seats cannot yet be used because certification is unfinished. The airline says the aircraft burns around 25% less fuel than older-generation jets it replaces. For passengers, though, cabin availability and seat selection matter more than the engineering figures.
Toronto arrivals use Pearson's Terminal 3, with the CN Tower, waterfront and Royal Ontario Museum among the sights reachable downtown. Take the free Terminal Link train to Terminal 1, then UP Express to Union Station; the latter takes 28 minutes. Future A350 assignments to Montreal and East Africa will bring the updated cabin to existing KLM routes rather than introduce new destinations.
An Amsterdam–Toronto ticket does not guarantee an A350, as KLM will use other aircraft on the route too. Check the aircraft type and seat map before choosing a fare, and again before departure because assignments can change. British passport holders flying to Canada normally need an electronic travel authorisation (eTA). If you've paid for a specific seat and an aircraft swap removes it, check KLM's seat-refund conditions.