KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has launched a new Premium Comfort Class.
The airline has described it as an “intermediate cabin offering more space, luxury, service options, comfort and privacy than Economy Class, at lower prices than World Business Class”.
It has been designed to meet the demand of leisure and business travellers, a statement added.
The cabin offers a new type of seat, as well as “distinctive service and catering concepts”, KLM added.
Depending on the aircraft type, the capacity of Premium Comfort class will vary from 21 to 28 seats, which will be wider than standard seats, offering more legroom, a larger screen and a footrest.
Premium Comfort seats can also recline further than Economy class seats.
On intercontinental services, one or two hot meals will be served, depending on the duration of the flight, with a choice of meat, fish or vegetarian dishes available.
The new seats have been designed by Collins Aerospace, together with specialists at KLM Customer Experience.
The seats are also lighter than previous designs, KLM said.
KLM has ‘great expectations’ for new class
Catering materials will be either reusable (special cutlery, bowls and plates made of lightweight polypropylene) or made of recycled PEF.
KLM Customer Experience executive vice-president said: “We have great expectations for this new Premium Comfort Class, based on extensive market research.
“The new class will meet the wishes of business passengers as well as leisure travellers, strengthening KLM’s standing as a global network carrier offering an appealing and varied range: World Business Class, Premium Comfort and Economy Class.
“It also reaffirms our partnership with Delta Air Lines, Air France and Virgin Atlantic on North Atlantic routes, where we can now combine all products on all routes.”
The first aircraft equipped with Premium Comfort Class will operate on routes to North America.
It is expected that passengers will be able to book Premium Comfort to a “growing range” of destinations from the end of the July 2022.