KLM gives preview of new Dreamliner World Business Class

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines have released images of its first Boeing 787-9 product due for delivery in October. The next-generation aircraft will feature KLM’s new World Business Class (WBC) seats.

Unlike the airline’s forward-facing seats found on their 747s and 777s, the World Business Class seats are based on the Zodiac Cirrus’ outward facing seat model and will be fully-flat with direct aisle access as well as boasting expansive 16-inch HD inflight entertainment touchscreens in the seat backs.

The design ethos will remain the same with the signature hues and tones of the Dutch carrier, and shades of warmer blues can be found throughout the cabin as to remain uniform with the fleet’s product. Along with pillow and new blankets, the WBC seats also offer a large storage space for added comfort and extra personal room for passengers.

There will be plenty of room to stretch out with seats pitching at 42 inches (109cm) arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration. In addition to an enhanced entertainment system, there is also an option to game or chat on the handset whilst being able to continue viewing on the monitor.

Economy seats will also be upgraded, with 40 per cent more recline than the current model and an 11-inch IFE screen as well as power sockets to recharge mobile equipment. KLM is also launching onboard wifi which will be available across all the classes on the B787-9.

The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner is a quieter aircraft with fuel-efficient engines that produce at least 20 per cent less CO2. KLM’s purchase of such an aircraft is part of a fleet investment that started with the introduction of WBC on its B747 aircraft.

KLM President and CEO, Pieter Elbers said, “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.”

The maiden flight for the carrier’s Dreamliner 787-9 is scheduled for October 25 from Amsterdam to Abu Dhabi and onto Bahrain. Expected to follow will be routes to Cairo, Xiamen, Rio de Janeiro, Chengdu, Tokyo and Shanghai.