The flag carrier of the Netherlands, KLM, is encountering challenges as it works to roll out its new Airbus A350 next-generation widebody jets that will replace the legacy A330 and Boeing 777 fleet.

Some hiccups with the regulatory provisions for the 34 seats in World Business Class mean that they will not be immediately available after the first A350 begins service. 

The aircraft is highly anticipated and marks a new era in the airline's tradition. The first will bear the name of the famous Rembrandt painting 'The Night Watch,' and others in future deliveries will also be named after other famous Dutch artworks.

The aircraft's inaugural flight is destined for Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) in Canada, but it isn't clear when the business class section will be unsealed.

KLM announced that at least the first two airplanes would both have the business class cabin sealed due to the revision of regulatory requirement interpretations by aviation authorities.

The airline said that the seat manufacturer is working hard to complete recertifications as quickly as possible so that the business class seats can be made available to customers in the shortest time possible.

In lieu of business class, the first flights will offer premium comfort seats with more legroom, comfort features, and an elevated dining experience. The initial A350 delivery represents the first installment in a €7 billion fleet renewal plan.

The first destinations for the new A350s follow the historical trend of previous KLM airframe rollouts, targeting popular destinations in North America before expanding to the wider international network.

Arriving alongside these large long-haul airliners will be A350F cargo jets, as well as Airbus A321neo aircraft and Embraer E195-E2s for KLM Cityhopper.

 KLM gave the following statement regarding the debut of the new jet: "Due to a revised interpretation of regulatory requirements by the aviation authorities, certification of the World Business Class seats has not yet been completed. As a result, these seats will unfortunately not be available when the first two aircraft enter service."

Source: Simple Flying