Air France-KLM is investing a lot of money at the moment in its premium cabins. In May 2022, we learned how KLM planned on introducing a new business class product on its Boeing 777s, and the first plane with these interiors is now flying. This is in addition to Air France having introduced a new business class product, and planning on introducing a new first class product within the next year.
KLM refreshing Boeing 777 cabins
The Boeing 777 is the backbone of KLM’s long haul fleet, as the carrier has 31 of these planes, including 15 777-200ERs and 16 777-300ERs. Given the long haul routes that this airplane operates, the 777s have in recent years had a rather outdated premium product.
KLM has Collins Aerospace Diamond seats on these planes, which are in a 2-2-2 configuration. While they’re fully flat, they’re about as tight as fully flat seats get.
The good news is that KLM is now in the process of changing that. KLM has started installing a new Boeing 777 business class product that features direct aisle access and privacy doors at each seat. KLM also recently introduced premium economy, so the 777s are getting premium economy cabins installed at the same time.
For context, KLM’s 777s are an average of roughly 13 years old. These planes still have plenty of life left in them, so cabin refreshes seem appropriate.
There’s an exciting update when it comes to this new product. KLM has put the first jet with new interiors into service. The first 777 to feature the new cabins is PH-BVA. The plane has entered service as of June 2023, after being grounded for roughly two months to have work done.
KLM’s new Boeing 777 business class seats
KLM has now formally announced the launch of its new business class, and has posted both a picture and a video of the new product.
As you can see, KLM’s new Boeing 777 business class product consists of reverse herringbone seats with doors. The seat look similar to KLM’s Boeing 787-10 business class, which are from JAMCO. Specifically, KLM’s 777s are getting a customized version of the JAMCO Venture seat, so it’s an evolution of the product you’ll find on the 787-10.
KLM highlights how the new seats have the following features:
- All World Business Class passengers have direct access to the aisle
- Every seat has a lightweight sliding door that can be easily opened and closed, so that the seat can be closed off for more privacy when working, relaxing and/or sleeping
- More personal adjustment options and user-friendly functionality, including an adjustable lower-back support and a relax setting with a subtle back-massage feature
- The seat can reclined fully flat to form a comfortable, 198cm-long bed
- There are multiple charging sockets that are easily accessible and clearly visible, and passengers also have a wireless charging option
- Passengers can stow their belongings in a lockable compartment, which also has a built-in mirror
- The seat features a recessed bottle holder, so that passengers can safely leave a water bottle on their tabletop, even during turbulence
Once work on 777s is done, you can expect that all 787s and 777s will feature reverse herringbone seats, with the biggest difference being that the 777s have doors and better tech at the seats. KLM has an ambitious timeline for completing this project as well, and hopes to reconfigure all 777s within a year.
Interestingly KLM even has different business class seats between the 787-9 and 787-10. KLM’s 787-9s have the Safran Cirrus seat in business class. At first glance this might look almost identical to the 787-10 product, but there are some differences.
Bottom line
KLM has started the process of rolling out its new Boeing 777 business class product, as the first plane has entered service as of June 2023. Over the next year, you can expect all 777s to be reconfigured with this product, as well as premium economy.
These new seats will make KLM’s business class much more competitive on the 777 for years to come, which is needed given the long routes these planes operate. The new seats are in a reverse herringbone configuration, featuring both direct aisle access and doors. They’re basically an evolution of the 787-10 business class product, except with a door.
What do you make of KLM’s new Boeing 777 business class?
