Dutch carrier KLM has retired its first Boeing 737-800 as part of its fleet upgrade, sending the aircraft to Twente Airport (ENS) in the Netherlands for dismantling and recycling, with many components repurposed for KLM or other airlines.
In a statement on December 5, 2025, KLM announced that after disembarking its last passengers at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS), flight PH-BXK departed for a short trip to Twente Airport. There, it was handed over to AELS, a company that specializes in dismantling and recycling aircraft.
KLM Engineering & Maintenance removed the engines and auxiliary power unit (APU) for reuse within KLM’s own fleet. Other components will be reused through AELS with other airlines or recycled.
The retirement of the Boeing 737-800 is part of KLM’s €7 billion investment in fleet renewal, replacing older, less efficient aircraft like the Boeing 737-800 with newer, more environmentally friendly models.
KLM said it is currently “investing heavily” in fleet modernization. On European routes, A320neo and A321neo aircraft will replace the Boeing 737. At KLM Cityhopper, KLM’s regional subsidiary, new E195-E2 models are replacing older Embraer 190s.
For long-haul flights, KLM said that four Boeing 787-10s have been added recently, with the last one expected to arrive in early 2026.
Additionally, an Airbus A350-900 will join the fleet next year, replacing older Boeing 777s and A330s. Cargo operations are also being updated. KLM said that three A350Fs have been ordered to replace the 747 freighters.
Overall, the current Boeing 737s operating on European routes will be gradually replaced by the Airbus A321neo, which generates less noise and CO2 than the Boeing 737.
In January 2026, KLM will retire its second Boeing 737-800, which will also go to Twente Airport for dismantling and recycling.
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