New KLM 777 Business Class Seats With Doors: Which Planes Have Them?

Air France-KLM is investing a lot of money at the moment in its premium cabins. In 2022, we learned how KLM planned on introducing a new business class product on its Boeing 777s. This work finally started in 2023, and I wanted to share a major update, as all 777-300ERs have now been reconfigured with this product, so you’re guaranteed the new cabins on those jets.

Let’s cover all the details, though keep in mind that KLM’s new business class complements Air France having introduced a new business class product (actually, two new business class products), and planning on introducing a new first class product within the next year.

KLM’s progress refreshing Boeing 777 cabins

The Boeing 777 is the backbone of KLM’s long haul fleet, as the carrier has 31 of these planes, including 15 777-200ERs and 16 777-300ERs. Given the long haul routes that this airplane operates, the 777s have in recent years had a rather outdated premium product.

KLM has historically offered Collins Aerospace Diamond seats on these planes, which are in a 2-2-2 configuration. While they’re fully flat, they’re about as tight as fully flat seats get.

The good news is that KLM is now in the process of changing that. KLM’s Boeing 777s are all getting a new business class product featuring direct aisle access and privacy doors at each seat. KLM also recently introduced premium economy, so the 777s are getting premium economy cabins installed at the same time.

So, what’s the latest on this project, as of June 2024?

• All KLM Boeing 777-300ERs that are flying feature the new cabins; the last 777-300ER just went into the shop to be reconfigured, so if you fly the 777-300ER, you’re guaranteed the new product
• Now the focus for KLM is on reconfiguring Boeing 777-200ERs, as so far only one of the 15 jets features the new cabins; I’d expect that this work will be complete within a year or so

For context, KLM’s 777s are an average of roughly 14 years old. These planes still have plenty of life left in them, so cabin refreshes seem appropriate.

KLM’s new Boeing 777 business class seats

I’ve already reviewed KLM’s new 777 business class, and it’s definitely a huge improvement over the old experience.

KLM’s new Boeing 777 business class product consists of reverse herringbone seats with doors. The seat is similar to KLM’s Boeing 787-10 business class seats, which are from JAMCO. Specifically, KLM’s 777s are getting a customized version of the JAMCO Venture seat, so it’s an evolution of the product you’ll find on the 787-10.

The new seats boast the following features, among other things:

• All World Business Class passengers have direct access to the aisle
• Every seat has a lightweight sliding door that can be easily opened and closed, so that the seat can be closed off for more privacy when working, relaxing, and sleeping
• More personal adjustment options and user-friendly functionality, including an adjustable lower-back support and a relax setting with a subtle back-massage feature
• The seat can reclined fully flat to form a comfortable, 198cm-long bed
• There are multiple charging sockets that are easily accessible and clearly visible, and passengers also have a wireless charging option
• Passengers can stow their belongings in a lockable compartment, which also has a built-in mirror
• The seat features a recessed bottle holder, so that passengers can safely leave a water bottle on their tabletop, even during turbulence

Once KLM finishes reconfiguring its 777s, you’ll find reverse herringbone seats on all 777s and 787s, with the biggest difference being that the 777s have doors and better tech at the seats. I’m impressed by the pace at which KLM is reconfiguring its fleet.

Interestingly KLM even has different business class seats between the 787-9s and 787-10s. KLM’s 787-9s have the Safran Cirrus seat in business class. At first glance this might look almost identical to the 787-10 product, but there are some differences.

Bottom line

KLM is making good progress on reconfiguring its Boeing 777s with new business class seats. You’ll now find the new business class on all 777-300ERs that are flying, while 777-200ERs should be fitted with these seats over the next year.

These new seats make KLM’s business class much more competitive on the 777 for years to come, which is needed given the long routes these planes operate. The new seats are in a reverse herringbone configuration, featuring both direct aisle access and doors. They’re basically an evolution of the 787-10 business class product, except with a door.

What do you make of KLM’s new Boeing 777 business class?