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Northwest and KLM Launch Improved International Business Class Service

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Northwest Airlines and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines announced the launch of an improved international business class service, offering more than 50 percent additional leg room, improved recline, and a host of other enhancements. The new service, branded "World Business Class," features increased seat pitch and recline, providing customers with 60 inches or greater of personal space. The angle of recline has been increased to 150 degrees, enhancing relaxing and sleeping comfort.

Key Takeaways:

  • The new World Business Class service offers more than 50 percent additional leg room and improved recline, providing customers with 60 inches or greater of personal space.
  • The angle of recline has been increased to 150 degrees, enhancing relaxing and sleeping comfort.
  • The service will feature a host of upgrades, including pre-departure service and cocktail snacks, upgraded main meal presentations, a new mid-flight snack, and a new digital audio system with additional channels and improved sound quality.
  • A dedicated purser will staff each trans-oceanic flight to coordinate and manage in-flight service.
  • Northwest will reconfigure its entire fleet of international DC-10 and 747 aircraft to accommodate the increased seat space and recline, discontinuing its international First Class service on October 1, 2000.
  • All wide-body aircraft are expected to be reconfigured by March 31, 2001.
  • KLM will reconfigure all of its 747 and MD11 aircraft, starting with 747s in November 2000 and MD11s in April 2001, with all reconfigured by May 2001.
  • World Business Class passengers will enjoy higher quality food and beverages, including a greater selection of breads, improved salad and main entree, and a new Asian hot entree choice for second meal on Asia outbound flights.
  • Major airport improvements, including terminal renovations in Amsterdam and Minneapolis, and the construction of a new Midfield Terminal in Detroit.

Statistics:

  • More than 50 percent additional leg room in the new World Business Class service.
  • 60 inches or greater of personal space in World Business Class seats.
  • 150 degrees of recline in World Business Class seats.
  • 2,600 daily departures worldwide by Northwest Airlines.
  • 16 North American cities served by Northwest Airlines with nonstop service to Amsterdam.
  • 5 daily flights from Detroit to Amsterdam offered by Northwest Airlines.
  • Double-daily service from Minneapolis to Amsterdam offered by Northwest Airlines.

Sources:

  • PRNewswire, "Northwest Airlines and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines Announce Improved International Business Class Service", Sept. 11 /PRNewswire/

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