KLM has introduced a new naming theme for its Airbus A350 fleet, with the first aircraft set to carry the name Night Watch in tribute to Rembrandt van Rijn’s famous painting.

The Dutch airline said the first A350 is due to be delivered at the end of August, with its first passenger flight planned for September. The move links one of the country’s best-known artworks with the airline’s newest long-haul jet.

The carrier has not yet detailed the full naming programme, but the choice signals a continued effort to connect its fleet with Dutch cultural heritage. Night Watch is one of the most recognisable works in the Rijksmuseum and is widely regarded as a national masterpiece.

KLM’s decision comes as airlines increasingly use aircraft names and liveries to strengthen brand identity and create a clearer connection with passengers. For KLM, that identity has often been tied to the Netherlands, and the latest announcement follows that tradition while shifting to a new aircraft type.

The Airbus A350 is among the newest wide-body aircraft in commercial aviation and is expected to play a major role in long-haul flying as airlines look to improve efficiency. KLM’s first example marks the start of the airline’s A350 operations and a new chapter in its fleet renewal plans.

For travellers, the development is unlikely to change the onboard product immediately, but it adds a distinctive brand element to the carrier’s next-generation fleet. The name also gives KLM a high-profile way to present its Dutch identity on one of its most important aircraft families.