KLM Cargo has carried out the first operational flight using 172 ‘Cargo Seat Bags’, which were designed in collaboration with equipment supplier Trip & Co.

The product is designed for Cargo in Cabin (CIC) flights, which KLM is operating on 777s carrying medical relief goods and PPE material on seats secured with plastic sheeting and straps.

The Cargo Seat Bags enabled KLM to carry 950 boxes of medical relief goods from Shanghai to Amsterdam in one of the 777s on the 13 April first flight. The bags not only protect the interior, seats, and entertainment systems but also double loading capacity on the seats, decrease physical strain during handling and prevent plastic waste, KLM said.

Following a CIC flight, the cabin can be transformed within one hour to welcome passengers, KLM Cargo said.

The Cargo Seat Bag product was submitted to the Dutch Civil Aviation Authority (IL&T) for approval and authorisation under Art. 71(1) of Regulation (EU) 2018/1139 (EASA), receiving quick approval.

“It remains extremely inspiring for me to be part of the close-knit team working on Cargo in Cabin,” said KLM’s Cargo in Cabin project manager Ton Veltman. “We have been active for over a year now, with involvement throughout KLM and including our partner Trip & Co.

“By doubling CIC capacity on our 777s, we now have capacity similar to what we had on our 747s [which were used before being retired from the KLM fleet].

“I’m proud of the many KLM colleagues who have made this innovation happen and of the smart and exceptional product that we developed and delivered with them and Trip & Co. This is an example of creativity and perseverance that will be key in the years to come.”

Trip & Co’s chief commercial officer Edwin de Jongh commented: “We are very proud that our joint effort has resulted in a flexible, easy-to-use, lightweight solution that gives the airline an opportunity to offer extra cargo capacity in the passenger cabin and avoid having to convert the cabin permanently.

“It reminds me of the ‘quick change solution of the seventies’: within an hour, the cabin is transformed from ‘cargo’ to a place ready to welcome passengers for a comfortable flight.”

Cargo Seat Bags are available in three versions: single-seat, double-seat and triple-seat. They can be used on KLM’s 777-200/300, 787-10 and A330-200 aircraft.