KLM Flying Dutchman - Northwest Airlines and KLM Complete World Business Class Aircraft Reconfiguration

Northwest Airlines and KLM Complete World Business Class Aircraft Reconfiguration
MINNEAPOLIS, May 29 /PRNewswire/ --

Alliance partners Northwest Airlines (Nasdaq: NWAC - news) and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines announced today that they have completed the reconfiguration of their intercontinental fleets in the new World Business Class design. The new configuration features a 60-inch pitch (distance between seat rows) and up to 50 percent additional legroom, creating more personal space. The angle of recline was also increased to 150 degrees, enhancing relaxing and sleeping comfort.

The project began last September with seat modification on Northwest's 14 747-400s, 20 747-200s and 24 DC10-30 aircraft. Reconfiguration of Northwest's final two aircraft was initiated last week at Northwest's Minneapolis/St. Paul maintenance base. Similarly, KLM began modifying its 21 747-400s, 10 747-300s and 10 MD-11s in November and completed the reconfiguration work at the end of April.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/010529/mntu003_2.html

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines today announced the launch of new Business and Economy Class catering products on the greater majority of their intra-European routes as from tomorrow, June 20.

KLM continually monitors the wishes and opinions of its passengers. KLM passengers traveling on the airline’s European routes, questioned in a recent survey, voiced their preference for swift and efficient catering, serving fresh food. KLM’s new catering line, "Europe 2001," meets these preferences, while taking requirements such as flavor, quality, presentation, selectivity, choice, and practical feasibility into account. The new line was tested successfully in a trial run earlier this year, paving the way for tomorrow’s launch on flights lasting less than 100 minutes.

The meals service presented to Business Class travelers will feature a full-meal salad, served with a bread roll and a wrap. Fresh apple or grapefruit juice will be available on flights departing before 10:00 hours, as well as orange juice. Passengers departing later in the day will be offered a glass of rosé. Additionally, travelers will be provided with linen napkins, and the small teacups replaced by large mugs.

Economy Class travelers have a choice out of two sandwiches, one of them vegetarian. A sparkling white wine has been added to the drinks available, and the choice of fruit juices on breakfast flights will include orange, apple and grapefruit, and a "Flavour of the Flight."

http://about.klm.com/news/newsitems/File_67820010619100903.asp

KLM continually monitors the wishes and opinions of its passengers. KLM passengers traveling on the airline’s European routes, questioned in a recent survey, voiced their preference for swift and efficient catering, serving fresh food. KLM’s new catering line, "Europe 2001," meets these preferences, while taking requirements such as flavor, quality, presentation, selectivity, choice, and practical feasibility into account. The new line was tested successfully in a trial run earlier this year, paving the way for tomorrow’s launch on flights lasting less than 100 minutes.

Is it just me or do you find that when airlines introduce new catering concepts it usually means cutbacks?

Stephen

Hey, linen napkins and a glass of rose, that's all it takes to get me on board. Not.