Until a few years ago, Air France KLM had a bad rap.
While the group’s two carriers may have offered a more affordable business-class option to and from Europe, their older and slightly uncomfortable “cradle” and angle lie-flat seats meant it lagged behind other European carriers.
Move ahead to 2015 and both airlines are rolling out new business cabins with fully flat beds, comprehensive entertainment systems and upgraded dining.
As Holland’s national carrier, KLM’s retrofit is under way with its fully flat seats – designed by the Dutch industrial designer Hella Jongerius – destined for all its aircraft, except its new 787 which will feature a different version of the fully-flat seat.
Trying out the new World Business Class cabin on KLM's 777-200, I found 28 seats in front of the entrance galley, and a private row of six seats situated just ahead of economy.
The cabin has some unique designer touches – it is the only carrier globally with a carpet that stretches from one side of the aircraft to the other. The carpet is partly made from recycled KLM uniforms, creating a bright blue pattern that lifts the interior.
But it’s not all blue, Ms Jongerius has also blended in five warmer colours – aubergine, dark brown, midnight blue, cobalt and dark grey.
The seats are situated in a 2 x 2 x 2 configuration, giving most passengers aisle access. The most private for solo executive travellers are the two central positions.
The seats themselves – fully reclining chairs that turn into 78-inch long beds – are comfortable and are separated by an optional privacy screen.
Personally, I’m not a fan of side-by-side seating but they are ideal for colleagues and a great improvement on the carrier’s previous 2 x 3 x 2 configuration with the dreaded centre seat.
Other new features include the fully interactive entertainment on a large hi-definition touchscreen and supporting handset and fresh dining options from Amsterdam’s leading Dutch chef Jonnie Boer of the restaurant De Librije. The menu includes quinoa salad with dried Angus beef and braised chicken in horseradish sauce and the airline’s famous cheese platters – served on tableware from Dutch designer Marcel Wanders.
While KLM is ideal for business travellers wanting to make one-stop connections, check the seat map before booking to ensure you fly on an updated aircraft for the most comfort.
q&a cabin comforts
Jonny Clark expands on KLM’s World Business Class cabin:
Do KLM flights from Dubai and Abu Dhabi have these new seats?
Yes, KLM flights from Abu Dhabi International and Dubai International have the new seats. And every aircraft is guaranteed to have a flatbed by the end of the year.
Any other extras?
You will be given a fairly comprehensive Viktor and Rolf amenity kit, which varies for men and women. It includes an eye mask, lip balm and toothbrush. Chocolates are handed out after the meal and just before landing, KLM’s signature Delft houses, from its miniature series, are gifted to each passenger, with 95 of them to collect.
And the passenger lounge in Amsterdam?
Business passengers flying out of Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, or connecting through the hub, have access to the airline's Crown Lounge, with the largest being in the international area of the airport. The lounge is split into three seating areas, with the raised zone towards the back offering commanding views of the airport. The lounge has self-service bars, free Wi-Fi and a business centre.
The new 787 will soon be operational for flights to the Middle East. What will that offer business-class passengers?
KLM’s 787 offers a slightly different product, with all-aisle access in a herringbone format available similar to the seats found on Qatar Airways’ 787. The interior styling matches the new Hella Jongerius cabins but offers increased privacy to solo travellers.
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