The Dutch airline KLM - or at least its marketing teams - seems to be living a fairytale where cabin density is synonymous with additional passenger comfort. The carrier has announced an overhaul of its long-haul cabin product. The new service concept will apply to all classes, including World Business Class. And as it is often necessary to embellish reality, marketing has come up with a fantastic idea. More seats on board to improve comfort. And even to facilitate better interaction between flight staff and passengers.
A new approach for the Economics class
KLM explains this real miracle: by organising work differently, there will be more room for personal contact with passengers. At the same time, work is also underway to refurbish the cabins of the long-haul fleet, which will increase the number of seats.
KLM will introduce a new service formula in Economy class. The aim is to serve hot meals more quickly and create more space for personal contact with passengers. The airline has also indicated that it will be reintroducing a welcome drink at the start of the journey. " This will provide an extra moment of interaction" explains the KLM press release.
But above all, KLM adjusts the layout of its Boeing long-haul fleet. Thanks to the new work organisation and more efficient loading, fewer service trolleys will be needed on board.
More seats in Premium Comfort
Thanks to a smaller galley, the Dutch airline is proposing to expand its highly popular Premium Comfort Class without compromising passenger legroom. This will increase the number of seats to a maximum of 40.depending on the type of aircraft. The new layout will also make it possible to add more seats in Economy class. And more, two additional seats will be added in World Business Class on the Boeing 787-9.
" Our Premium Comfort Class is very popular with passengers and is often fully booked. At a time when demand for unique and more luxurious journeys is growing. With the changes we are going to make, we will be able to increase the number of Premium Comfort seats. As well as optimising the use of space on board, we are investing in a more modern product with more room for personal contact. "explained Paul Terstegge, Executive Vice President Inflight Services KLM.
In Business Class, KLM is continuing its collaboration with Marcel Wanders. The Dutch designer is creating a new tableware dedicated to World Business Class. This crockery will also be accompanied by a new presentation of the dishes. KLM is also considering new dishes.
Marcel Wanders, designer of the new tableware: "Jam proud to once again have the honour of designing tableware for KLM. It's a contemporary design, made from beautiful crystal, fine porcelain, stainless steel and other noble materials. And I can't wait to see how the meals will be presented on the plates and what the passengers in World Business Class will think of them..
With these changes, KLM aims to respond to passengers' wishes and optimise the use of available cabin space. The changes will be implemented from 2027. Various models are currently being developed and will be tested. So that the fairytale becomes reality!
