KLM 787 issues
 

I've noticed a lot of 787 flights being canceled or switched to 777s. Is KLM having issues with 787? For example KL667 has been canceled once recently and switched to 777 tomorrow (I'm not sure AUS ground staff are even certified on KL 777) Other routes seem to be having similar issues. (Canceled or switched to 777)

Staffing issues. Lots of sick cabin crew.
777 is smaller, so fewer CA’s needed.

The 777 is notably larger and has more capacity than the 787. But perhaps the mix of cabin crew/pilots certified on the respective aircraft is in flux. Or it could be aircraft maintenance/availability issues.

All 787 pilots are certified on the 777, but not vice versa. If it's related to pilot staffing, this would explain the switch to the 777.

Well in end KL667/668 got switched back to 787. (Some system still show a 777, but it indeed was switched back to 787) I pointed out to a KLM agent the night before (I overnighted) that AUS has never gotten a 777. I asked had someone checked to make sure AUS was certified to ground handle a KL 777. They called someone, not sure where. About an hour later, it was back on a 787.

I meant the 78X specifically, because it has a larger C class and would require an extra CA.
It's winter. Respiratory viruses galore, so more sick people - even KLM staff.

not sure if the cancellations/delays this past Sunday were due to the 787 maintenance issues reported earlier this month. Does anyone know?

KL 601 AMS-LAX: cancelled due to aircraft damage?
KL 605 AMS-SFO cancelled due to technical reason
KL 607 AMS-SFO cancelled due to unforeseen changes to the flight schedule
KL 609 AMS-SLC delayed due to last-minute repair to the aircraft
KL 643 AMS-JFK cancelled because of a technical reason
KL 681 AMS-YVR delayed due to last-minute repair of aircraft

Not a good time. I had a similar series of cancellations in 18/19 leading to close to 2k of total EC261 compensation. Once a few go out, it can really wreak havoc on the scheduling.

lucky you. I was originating outside of EU so no EC261 for me :(

On KL that shouldn't matter.

It most definitely does matter. If your ticket is, e.g., JFK-AMS-CDG-SGN (origin and final destination outside of the EU) that the airline and intermediate connecting airports are EU is irrelevant: EC261 does not apply (at least as far as compensation is concerned). If there were a delay on AMS-CDG which caused you to miss CDG-SGN and your seatmate to miss CDG-MRU (as part of their AMS-CDG-MRU itinerary) you would not get compensation while your seatmate would.

Today KL877 had a bird strike on departure so that’s a 777 out of the fleet, too.

KL641/642 canceled for technical reasons yesterday. They rebooked my wife on United.

unusual cancellation of KLM flights operated by Boeing 787-9
 

Just one small update:
recently I noticed that KLM has canceled unusual many flights operated by their Boeing 787-9, especially flight AMS-PEK. It is said that KLM has currently difficulties on maintenance of their 787-9 fleet. Well, I personally did not involved by this (luckily), since most of the time I travel with AF. But my friends are affected by this:confused:

https://simpleflying.com/klm-grounds-7-boeing-787s/

btw: the fleet of 787-9 with AF really need a maintenance too: on my last flights to and from Beijing back to Europe, I was traveling with the same aircraft F-HRBA. The wifi was totally dead and the seat 1A had on each flight during approach condensate water from air conditioner falling from the celling. Nevertheless the service was as usual fantastic.

KLM has 7 787s out at present, I believe. Not great.