Having had a positive response to its new B747-400 World Business Class cabins, KLM has now turned its attention to its fleet of 15 B777-200s. The airline has again brought in Dutch designer Hella Jongerius to work on the interiors, with the Jumbo’s business class interior being translated into the Triple-Sevens, and with all-new economy cabins being brought in.
KLM is the launch customer for Recaro’s CL3710 seat, which was launched at Aircraft Interiors Expo 2013. This model was the first seat Recaro has developed without having a specific airline customer in mind, but its confidence in the product has clearly paid off. At launch, the demonstrator seat weighed 11.6kg (25.6 lb) per pax place, but we cannot yet confirm the weight of the KLM-specified model.
Slimline seats fitted 10-abreast may not excite long-haul travelers, but KLM says the seats will afford a little more legroom than the current models, while the ergonomically optimized headrests, specially designed cushions and durable, high-density materials will also aid comfort.
A new IFE system is also being introduced, featuring 9in Panasonic HD touchscreens, interactive 3D cards and a ‘seat chat’ app that allows travelers to communicate with other passengers via the seatback IFE. Passengers will have access to more than 150 movies and 200 TV shows in many languages, including many local movies.
KLM says that the renovation of all 15 B777-200s will be completed by the end of 2015, after which it will turn its attention to its B777-300s. In addition, two new B777-300s, featuring the new interior and IFE system, will join the KLM fleet in 2015. KLM’s total B777 fleet with then consist of 25 aircraft.
