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 started in 2023, and I wanted to share a major update, as all 777s have now been reconfigured with these seats, so you’re guaranteed the new cabins on all 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 in the coming months.
In this post:
KLM finishes 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 Given the long haul routes that this airplane operates, the 777s have in recent years had a rather outdated premium product.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 has now finished a project to update these cabins. KLM’s Boeing 777s (including 777-200ERs and 777-300ERs) now all feature a new business class product with direct aisle access and privacy doors at each seat. KLM also recently introduced premium economy, so all 777s have premium economy cabins installed as well.
You’ve gotta give KLM absolutely massive credit for the pace at which it has retrofitted these jets. I mean, just compare this pace to what we’re seeing at some other airL(H)ines…
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 all boast 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 have 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
- The seat has 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
- The seat has 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
With KLM having finished 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 has reconfigured its fleet. A330s are the only wide body jets to not have direct aisle access, as they have the same seats that KLM used to have on 777s.
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 has finished reconfiguring all of its Boeing 777s with new business class seats, so you’ll now be guaranteed direct aisle access and doors on the entire 777 fleet.
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?
Hi…I’ve booked business class to Shanghai with KLm. My ticket shows the plane is a 787-9, but all the flights seem to be on 777-2 planes. Which is it ? And are the business class seats ( I’ve booked 6A) single or next to someone?
I normally don't really respond, but I will make an exception here. I'm from Amsterdam and 1m96 (or 6ft5), which is normal here. I do fly KLM in business a lot to the US. I'm no fan of the 787 seats. Especially the 787-10 seats are very faulty. But these 777 seats, are best in class. I can sleep like I'm in my own bed, with room to spare. It's very comfortable. I've used to fly the US carriers in some cases, but if I see an KLM 777 on the route, I will take it.
Just so others are misled, the average male height for Dutch males is just under 1m83.
are NOT
It's actually 184cm. But it's higher if you only look at inhabitants from Dutch ancestry. But I wasn't going for some linguistical adventure. The Netherlands has the most people above 1m90 in the world. So, being between 1m90-1m99 is quite normal. Not average, not everyone is that heigth, nor does it mean there are no persons below 1m80. It's just a normal sight.
Like Ben said in the review... my biggest issue with the new business class seats is the colour scheme. They just look hideous & outdated, even worse than their old Diamond seats.
Unless something changed in the last 3 days, I’m going to say this isn’t accurate. I just flew a KLM 777-200 in 2-2-2.
@ Matt — Hmmm, what was the route and date, please?
KL809 - Ams to Kul on 16 Dec.
Ok, it was 5 days ago.
@ Matt -- Interesting. So you were on PH-BQA. Both Planespotters and Airfleets lists the plane as being in a three cabin layout, which the new business class layout. Did you notice if there was premium economy on the jet? It's strange, because the plane is scheduled to fly to Atlanta tomorrow, and premium economy is on sale. As far as I know, KLM retrofitted 777s with both premium economy and the new business at...
@ Matt -- Interesting. So you were on PH-BQA. Both Planespotters and Airfleets lists the plane as being in a three cabin layout, which the new business class layout. Did you notice if there was premium economy on the jet? It's strange, because the plane is scheduled to fly to Atlanta tomorrow, and premium economy is on sale. As far as I know, KLM retrofitted 777s with both premium economy and the new business at the same time.
Also, the plane was out of service September 3-20, 2024, which is how long the retrofit takes.
Not doubting you, just genuinely confused. For that matter, KLM even put out a press release confirming all 777s now have the new premium economy and business class.
I also flew AMS to MIA a couple of weeks ago in the 777 and it was the old 2-2-2 layout which was really uncomfortable
@ Linda S — AMS-MIA is operated by an A330, which would explain the 2-2-2 layout. Those planes aren’t getting new business class seats.
I’m surprised to read this post. Can anyone verify that this news is also true for KLM’s 777-200s painted as “KLM Asia”? I’ve been looking at flights to Europe from SFO for the past few weeks. KLM seems to be alternating between 787-10s and KLM Asia 777-200s on this route. For the days where the route is operated on a 777, the flight details have still shown a 2-2-2 configuration in business class.
@ Derek — It should apply to the KLM Asia painted planes as well. Are you seeing the old seat map for the 772 on any future SFO flights?
Thanks for your reply!
Yes, I am still seeing the old configuration showing. I just looked again and the flight from SFO-AMS on 1/1 shows a 2-2-2 configuration.
I flew BOG-CTG-AMS last week on a KLM Asia 777; I got a notification before the flight that it was a 2-2-2 layout, but the plane was actually 1-2-1.
Maybe some of their technology hasn’t kept up with the refit?
@ Derek -- Looks like it just switched to the 1-2-1 seat map. :-)
@ben @derek as you identified KLM's technology hasn't quite caught up. When booking certain routes (i.e. AMS -> TPE, which I've just booked today) the description of business class on the booking page is still described as 2-2-2. But when you actually look at the seat map after selecting flights it's the newer 1-2-1
I was wondering, is there a specific herringbone product you prefer over the other e.g. Safran Cirrus, JAMCO Venture, Collins Aerospace Elements, etc.?
@ Mike O. -- For reverse herringbone, the Elements is definitely my favorite:
https://onemileatatime.com/guides/best-business-class-seats/
What is the situation with 1) KLM baggage handling and 2) Amsterdam airport operations?
All is back to normal. My far preferred airport for O/D and transit through Europe (sky team)
Sorry Justin, but if passport control is still as painfully slow at AMS as I experienced in May, then no thanks AMS. Oh, yeah, got my bag 24 hours after my connection arrived.
Passport control for non-EU is still shockingly bad. The only positive is that there appear to be gazillions of new eGates being installed, though not yet operative.
I wish they would do something about their generally awful catering. It’s poor from Amsterdam , which isn’t know for its cuisine, however from some outstations it’s terrible. I believe Air France and KLM also use the same suppliers at many, however it’s like night and day. AF will also introduce free Starlink WiFi, however no news from KLM.
I wouldn't say their catering is awful. It's actually quite decent in business class. Well their long haul catering, at any rate. Those inter-European box meals need to go.
KLM catering is in long haul J is pretty terrible too. You must have not flown them often enough if you think otherwise. The frequently run out off J meals, and at any rate if you aren’t FB Platinum (and a few lucky gold) you are unlikely to get your first choice. Wines are terrible too. Often down to just one choice for red and white.
I don’t think they serve any wines with a retail price higher than €10/bottle…
And the “food” in J is absolutely atrocious. My last couple flights out of LAX/SFO, I’ve been served a cheap quesadilla ($0.99 at Taco Bell) with a side of polenta and frozen peas. This was referred to in the menu as a “taste of local delicacies”.
Nah, I'm flown them plenty, and there many airlines that serve far worse food in J class than they do.
One thing I find annoying is no bluetooth even on the newest product. Bluetooth is far more useful than wireless charging imo.
Meanwhile at Onestarhansa................
What is your obsession with doors in business class or first class? To me any seat other than coach is good with me. Do doors really matter.
I don't think anyone is saying doors make or break a seat. But if you polled most travelers, I'd warrant the majority would prefer having a door to not having a door.
It just adds a psychological sense of privacy/separation from the rest of the cabin, which makes the flight more comfortable for a lot of people.
It's an improvement many airlines are investing in because they see the increased consumer satisfaction with having doors.
I used to believe doors were a gimmick, but a few weeks ago I was finally able to try a business seat with doors and a some days later I was on a similar flight but without the doors.
Now, I feel doors do make a difference in comfort. For me the most noticeable thing was that it was easier to try to sleep (I sleep really badly when on a plane) because the...
I used to believe doors were a gimmick, but a few weeks ago I was finally able to try a business seat with doors and a some days later I was on a similar flight but without the doors.
Now, I feel doors do make a difference in comfort. For me the most noticeable thing was that it was easier to try to sleep (I sleep really badly when on a plane) because the door mitigated most of the visual distractions of crew and passengers coming and going. Silly thing, I know, but that's what surprised me the most.
@Todd:
Glad to see I am not the only one wondering about his weird obsession with doors. Doors that don't even actually close as there is a gap and they are not high enough to provide true privacy.
It isn’t “his” obsession. I would think many people seem to greatly value them, otherwise airlines wouldn’t invest in them…. Literally every new business class seat has doors (I believe), so it’s pretty clear there are many who like them.
Do you think many people like paying to select a seat in addition to paying thousands for the ticket? Do you think many people like those stupid rear facing seats?
just like the AVOD vs. streaming option (on airlines that offer some form of in-flight entertainment), the vast majority of passengers on planes with doors that close use them at some point during the flight.
You don't have to close them but you have a choice if they are there.
Why are people so polarized about products getting doors?
If you don't care about having a door then don't use it. I don't think most people would avoid booking an airline because the seat does or doesn't have a door.
A lot of people use them, otherwise airlines wouldn't be installing products with them. It's an industry trend to incorporate them into the seats.
It's always the same dumb comments being made about "I don't...
Why are people so polarized about products getting doors?
If you don't care about having a door then don't use it. I don't think most people would avoid booking an airline because the seat does or doesn't have a door.
A lot of people use them, otherwise airlines wouldn't be installing products with them. It's an industry trend to incorporate them into the seats.
It's always the same dumb comments being made about "I don't care about doors", when it's really not that deep.
@ Todd -- I'm not sure what makes you think I'm obsessed with doors? It's the direction the industry is headed, I'm acknowledging it, but I'm not "obsessed" with them. I mean, I mostly like them, but I also have lots of business class seats without doors that I like.
@Ben - as you’ve probably noticed from comments on this and other posts, Todd isn’t the only one wondering why you seem to give a disproportionate amount of attention to whether a seat has a door or not. Perhaps someone can get a statistically tool to go through all posts and see if there is any truth to that.
@ Toby -- I see where you're coming from. Perhaps the issue is that I add it as a descriptor for some seat types. That's simply because it has become a point of differentiation. For example, describing a business class seat as being fully flat or having direct aisle access really isn't very differentiating nowadays. So I mention that the seat has a door when it does.
However, there are lots of business class seats out there without doors that I really enjoy.
Not sure what's the deal with those who complain about business class seats with doors. Do you realise that you can keep them open?
I will, as of today, no longer read comments about doors. I don't understand the obsession some have against a product you don't have to use. Airlines will give me tequila for free. I don't want it, but I don't obsess on its availability.
@ Dave - I’m a frequent poster of comments about doors and am absolutely crushed that you will no longer read them. Would you please reconsider?
i will say the one advantage for me is that i can slip on my PJs or change quickly without having to do it in the cramped lav with wet floors