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KLM completes premium economy upgrades on Boeing 777s and 787s

Research

Caroline Tanner News reporter | The Points Guy

By Sky Industry News

Dec 20, 2024

KLM has announced the completion of its premium economy cabin installation across its Boeing 777 and 787 Dreamliner fleets. This marks a significant development for the Dutch airline, which initiated the project two and a half years ago.

The introduction of premium economy, branded as Premium Comfort, began in May 2022. The move aligns KLM with other major airlines offering an intermediate class between economy and business. Initially, retrofits were carried out on the younger Dreamliner aircraft before progressing to the Boeing 777s. Enhancements included upgrading World Business pods with privacy panels and aisle access.

A total of 54 wide-body aircraft have been updated with these new features, providing passengers traveling to or from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) more options. Barry ter Voert, KLM's chief experience officer, remarked on the efforts involved: "Over the past two years, colleagues have worked very hard to make the addition of this new class possible."

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However, not all long-haul aircraft received these updates. KLM's Airbus A330s retain a two-cabin configuration without direct-aisle access for window seats.

The premium economy service offers a similar experience to domestic first class but falls short of international business class standards. It includes enhanced seating comfort and improved meal offerings at a price point between coach and business class.

In related developments, Matt Moffitt from TPG highlighted his positive experience flying KLM’s Premium Comfort cabin on a route from Amsterdam to Cape Town International Airport (CPT), noting features like increased recline and larger seatback screens.

For frequent flyers considering reward redemptions, KLM's Flying Blue loyalty program offers transfer opportunities through several U.S.-based credit card reward programs such as American Express Membership Rewards and Chase Ultimate Rewards.