KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has announced the introduction of a new service concept on its intercontinental flights, which includes more space and comfort for passengers, despite an overall increase in seat capacity.
The Dutch flag carrier’s new service concept involves an increase in the total number of seats available on its long-haul, intercontinental fleet, resulting in enhancements for both World Business Class and Economy Class passengers alike.
The cabin redesigns, which KLM says are in response to passenger feedback and demand, are already underway and are expected to be implemented from 2027.
As part of the airline’s improvements in World Business Class, new tableware is being designed by world-renowned designer Marcel Wanders, who has worked with the carrier since 2011.
Evoking the spirit of refined dining, the tableware will be crafted from premium materials like crystal, bone China, and stainless steel, while dishes will be presented in a new and elegant manner.
“As a designer of Dutch origin, I am proud to once again have the honour of designing tableware for KLM,” said Wanders. “It is a contemporary design, made of beautiful crystal, bone China, stainless steel and other notable materials. Of course, I am eager to know how the meals will look on the plates and what World Business Class passengers will think of it.”
Economy Class and Fleet Upgrades
Meanwhile, a new service formula will be introduced in Economy Class, which promises to provide more time and space for personal interaction between passengers. This will include the return of welcome drinks and a faster delivery of hot meals.
These service enhancements will be combined with the redesign of its intercontinental Boeing fleet, which will maximize the use of cabin space and allow for additional capacity on the aircraft.
A more efficient loading process will result in the need for fewer service trolleys on board, allowing for the expansion of its Premium Comfort Class to up to 40 seats, an additional two World Business Class seats on its 787-9 aircraft, along with more Economy Class seats, all without compromising on legroom or comfort.
“Our Premium Comfort Class is very well appreciated by passengers and is often fully booked,” said Paul Terstegge, Executive Vice President of Inflight Services at KLM. “People want to travel, and the demand for unique and more luxury travel is increasing. With the modifications we are going to make, we can expand the number of Premium Comfort seat.
“In addition to making optimal use of the space on board, we are simultaneously investing in a more modern product with more room for personal contact. This is how we continue to fly, improve and innovate.”
Timeline and Routes
While passengers may have a while yet to wait for the redesigned cabins, which will be launched in 2027, travellers can expect the new service on numerous intercontinental routes.
Currently, KLM operates 66 routes outside of Europe, including its latest additions of San Diego (SAN), Georgetown (GEO), and Hyderabad (HYD). Other key intercontinental destinations include New York (JFK), San Francisco (SFO), Chicago (ORD), Dubai (DXB), and Singapore (SIN).
Source: https://www.businesstraveller.com/news/klm-upgrade-cabins-service/
