Last Friday, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines introduced its new Premium Comfort class, which will gradually become available starting this summer. In this way, the Dutch airline will improve its offer as part of a growing trend in recent years: the inclusion of an intermediate level of service between its Economy and World Business Class cabins.
While the airline already had an intermediate class, called Economy Comfort, the new one offers more personal space and a variety of services. According to KLM, Premium Comfort is a completely new service, featuring new seats and its own dining options.
The retrofitting of the aircraft interiors will be carried out by staff from KLM’s engineering and maintenance division at Amsterdam-Schiphol. As the following infographic shows, the long-range aircraft in the fleet will have fewer economy-class seats once the reconfigurations are completed.
Thus, the Boeing 777-200s and 777-300s will have 24 Premium Comfort seats. Boeing 787-9s will have 21 seats available and 787-10s will offer 28. The company expects the service to be gradually available on intercontinental destinations from the end of July 2022, with the entire long-range fleet to be fully reconfigured by the fourth quarter of 2023. Initially, the North Atlantic market will be favored.
Boet Kreiken, Executive Vice President of Customer Experience at KLM, said that the new service «will meet the needs of both business and leisure travelers.» He also stressed that the initiative «reinforces KLM’s position as a global network airline with an attractive and well-differentiated offering».
Onboard experience
The new Premium Comfort class will have a differentiated catering service, with one or two hot meals, depending on the length of the flight. The menu will feature red meat dishes, fish and vegetarian options. Snacks and cocktails will also be offered. Items used for onboard service will be made of reusable materials or made from recycled PEF.
The seats were designed by Collins Aerospace in collaboration with the airline’s customer service specialists. Legroom will be 18 centimeters larger than in Economy. The reclining capacity will also be greater. Customers in the new class will enjoy a baggage allowance that includes up to two checked and two carry-on pieces. In addition, they will be able to use Sky Priority services (priority acceptance and boarding) and access VIP lounges for a set fee.
See also: KLM Cargo starts the process to replace its Boeing 747-400Fs
