Here is KLM’s all-new premium economy

Dutch airline KLM is taking its inflight experience to greater heights with the launch of Premium Comfort, an entirely new intermediate cabin class jetting off on select routes to North America from July.

It will be rolled out across the full Boeing 777 and 787 fleet soon after.

Featuring wider seats, more legroom and larger screens, as well as an increased recline on standard economy – ideal for stretching out on those transatlantic flights – the capacity of Premium Comfort varies from 21 to 28 seats, depending on the aircraft.

The fresh cabin will join KLM’s upgraded Boeing 777 World Business Class, rolling out in 2023, which includes fully-flat beds, sliding privacy doors, and a 1-2-1 layout (instead of the current 2-2-2) in a design more in line with the SkyTeam member’s existing Boeing 787. 

Premium Comfort is KLM's new intermediate offering, joining business and economy.

A collaboration between designers Collins Aerospace and KLM Customer Experience, Premium Comfort sports a two-tone cloth seat with a winged leather headrest and slide-out leather footrest, plus a fold-out tray table and a small storage compartment by your leg.

It also includes a 38-inch pitch and 8-inch recline, together with a 13.3-inch screen, USB and 100V charger ports, adjustable reading light and noise-cancelling headphones.

Passengers will enjoy a premium amenity kit and boosted checked and carry-on luggage allowances, together with SkyPriority privileges including preferential check-in and boarding. Lounge access can be enjoyed at a fee.

KLM's new 777 World Business Class will follow a similar design to that of its existing 787 offering.

Boet Kreiken, Executive Vice President of KLM Customer Experience, says the airline has great expectations for the new cabin class, created 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,” Kreiken says.

Premium Comfort sports a two-tone cloth seat with winged headrest.

“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.”

One or two hot meals – a choice of meat, fish or vegetarian – will be served on intercontinental services, depending on the duration of the flight. Between meals, snacks and cocktails will also be available, largely selected from popular options in World Business Class.

Premium Comfort guests will enjoy an enhanced meal offering.

Premium Comfort is expected to be bookable from destinations beyond North America at the end of July 2022.

Additional reporting by Chris Ashton