KLM has installed the Netherlands’ first Airbus A350 full-flight simulator at its Schiphol-East training centre in preparation for the A350’s entry into KLM service. The simulator, designed and built by CAE in Montreal, was shipped in parts, tested in Canada, and assembled at Schiphol where the components were hoisted into place during installation. KLM confirmed the simulator is now operational and the first group of A350 pilots will begin type training shortly.
The A350 simulator supports Air France-KLM’s broad fleet renewal: the group ordered 50 A350s in 2023 (47 A350-900s and 3 A350-1000s) and KLM expects the first of its A350s to join the fleet around late-2026. The simulator allows KLM to conduct systems, normal procedures and emergency drill training locally, a critical step before the aircraft enters commercial service.
Installation and technical details
- Manufacturer & build: The simulator was built by CAE in Montreal and underwent acceptance checks there before shipping. CAE is one of the world’s leading flight-simulator OEMs.
- Logistics: Because the simulator is larger than the facility access points, installers hoisted units over the site fence during installation, an uncommon but not unprecedented logistic solution for full-flight simulators. KLM documented the lift in a short video and photo series.
- Location: The device is installed at Schiphol-East, near Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, where KLM operates its pilot training facilities.
(Citation: KLM newsroom; trade followups in FlightGlobal and AeroTime.)
Why the simulator matters
- Pilot readiness: Full-flight simulators are mandatory for type-rating training and recurrent checks; having a locally based A350 simulator reduces travel time for KLM instructors and pilots and accelerates crew qualification.
- Operational safety & efficiency: Simulators let pilots rehearse system failures, complex approaches and airport-specific procedures in a risk-free environment, improving safety margins at entry-into-service.
- Fleet transition: With the A350 offering better fuel burn and range than older widebodies, KLM’s early investment in training infrastructure signals a coordinated approach to fleet introduction and network planning. For precise A350 performance figures, see Airbus technical data.
Timeline & immediate next steps
- 2023: Air France-KLM places a 50-aircraft A350 order (47 x A350-900; 3 x A350-1000).
- Oct 2025: KLM installs and commissions the Netherlands’ first A350 simulator at Schiphol-East; first pilots start training soon.
- Late 2026: KLM expects the first A350s to enter service; simulator-trained crews will perform type checks and line training as aircraft arrive.
Caveats & technical notes
- Performance figures: Many secondary outlets repeat generic A350 performance claims (fuel and noise benefits). For authoritative numbers, check Airbus technical documentation rather than press summaries.
- Simulator capacity vs. fleet size: One simulator supports many pilots through scheduled training cycles, but the existence of a single device does not directly equal immediate pilot availability for every delivery. Training capacity depends on simulator hours, instructor availability and scheduling.
What’s next? Industry outlook
- Training ramp-up: Expect KLM to publish training milestones as crews complete type ratings and simulator hours. Watch for KLM newsroom updates and CAE training statistics.
- Fleet delivery tracking: As the A350s arrive, monitor KLM’s service entry routes and any product changes (cabin layout, seat counts) that accompany the fleet introduction.
- Sector impact: Local simulators typically attract regional training demand (other operators, MROs), CAE and KLM may commercialise spare simulator capacity depending on demand and regulatory arrangements.
Citations
- KLM newsroom, KLM Introduces First A350 Simulator in the Netherlands, 3 Oct 2025.
- FlightGlobal, KLM prepares to start A350 pilot training after installation of simulator, 3 Oct 2025.
- AeroTime, KLM installs Netherlands’ first A350 simulator, 3 Oct 2025.
- CAE / Halldale coverage, technical context on simulator supply and testing.
