KLM announced more details about the KLM 787-9 “Dreamliner” on the 25th of July. According to Pieter Elbers, KLM President and CEO :
The Boeing 787-9 enables KLM to offer passengers even more comfort and privacy. KLM has chosen to add specific improvements to this special aircraft, which make it unique among other 787s. All these details add up to ensure our passengers can experience a new way to fly.
Most significant to the announcement are the new World Business Class (WBC) seats and Inflight Entertainment System fitted with a 16″ screen along with Wi-Fi for all passengers. This will be the first KLM long-haul aircraft with onboard Wi-Fi. The KLM 787-9 will also have special LED lighting, larger windows and a higher pressure cabin. The official press release can be found HERE.
The entertainment system and seat are very similar to the new Air France Business Cabin seat recently introduced on the 777. Most significant is 1-2-1 direct aisle access for all business class passengers. The solo seats are also quite nice for those traveling without a companion. Personal storage (also like on Air France) is also quite nice, an improvement over the other KLM business class configurations (old and new).
This is a continuation of the KLM aircraft fleet investment which started with the updates on the 747s. This will be the first KLM business class product that is not in a 2-2 configuration, with exception to the three solo seats on the main deck of the KLM 747. The entire 747 fleet, like the 787-9 features a seat that reclines completely flat. The modifications in process on the KLM Boeing 777-200 fleet also feature lie flat seats as well as the new Boeing 777-330s.
KLM also features a new Economy Class product on the 787-9, which includes an Economy Comfort section with an average seat pitch of 89cm (35 inches).
The seats in Economy Class offer passengers extra comfort. The back of the seat can recline 40% further and all passengers have access to a power socket where they can recharge their mobile equipment. The Inflight Entertainment system has been renewed and extended with a larger, 11” screen, intuitive HD-quality touchscreens, interactive 3D maps, and the option to communicate via Seat Chat with fellow passengers who are not seated nearby. The Inflight Entertainment system provides access to more than 150 films and 200 TV programmes in 12 languages, including a large number of local films.
Some of the data-points with regard to the KLM Boeing 787-9 :
I am happy to see that KLM is finally offering a business class configuration where all passengers have direct aisle access. I have often commented that it would have been great if the entire KLM/Air France/Delta alliance had a consistent business class product with regard to seating configurations. Delta definitely leads the SkyTeam alliance with regard to a consistent 1-2-1 configuration on their entire wide body international fleet which includes 777s, A330s, 767s and 747s.
This new business class product and service enhancements such as global wifi is hopefully a continuing trend for KLM.
What are your first impressions of the KLM 787-9?
Be sure to check out the other TravelZork posts about the KLM 787-9, including :
Revisited | KLM 787-9 (“Dreamliner”) Inaugural October 2015
KLM delays delivery of two Boeing 787-9 (“Dreamliner”) aircraft
KLM 787-9 (“Dreamliner”) to be introduced in October 2015
