KLM Royal Dutch Airlines is now offering its passengers a chance to experience 7th heaven on its flights with a wide range of enhancements to passenger comfort and amenities with its new fleet of Boeing 777 aircraft on the Amsterdam – Kuala Lumpur – Jakarta route.

With the latest fuel efficient Boeing 777-300ER (Extended Range) and the 777-200ER, all Business and Economy class seats will offer passengers state-of-the-art amenities including audio & video on demand, language courses, audio books and video games, as well as SMS and email services.

And when it’s time for bed, the seats in the World Business Class on the 777-300ER feature the new hard shell sleeper seats with a near-horizontal 175 degree recline.

In addition to the new features found on the plane, World Business Class passengers can continue to expect fresh gourmet food and the KLM Deft Blue miniatures they’ve become accustomed to on KLM flights.

This fleet modernisation programme comes as the airline celebrates its 90th Anniversary – embarking on a “journey of inspiration” to provide a greater flying experience to all its passengers and to continue offering the genuine service and reliability that the Dutch airline is synonymous with.

“With the 777 fleet, we are increasing the capacity between Europe to Kuala Lumpur and Jakarta despite the current economic gloom, while providing our passengers with even more value for their money,” said Ms. Estee Ng, the Malaysian Country Manager for Air France and KLM when the inaugural 777 flight touched down at KLIA today.

“The modernisation of the fleet also saves cost and more importantly, has less impact on the environment, thanks to a new wing design, more efficient engine and a lighter structure of the fuel efficient 777, which also translates into lower emissions per passenger seat,” added Ng.

KLM’s 777-300ER configuration is capable of carrying 425 passengers in a two-class configuration with a maximum range of 14,685 kilometres (7,930 nautical miles) at a cruising speed of 0.84 Mach, while the 777-200ER can carry 327 passengers.

The fuel-efficient Boeing 777-300ER and 777-200ER aircraft offer airlines additional flexibility to serve the non-stop routes demanded by passengers. Enhancements that extend range and increase payload performance, combined with engine efficiency improvements and design changes that reduce drag and airplane weight are among the innovations that contribute to the impressive capability of the model.

“Within its range, the Boeing 777-300ER is the most efficient and climate and environmentally progressive aircraft,” said Boeing Southeast Asia President, Ralph ‘Skip’ Boyce, who was also at the historic event.

He noted that fuel efficiency isn’t just good for economics; it is also good for the environment and commended KLM’s timely effort to introduce the aircraft type for the Amsterdam – Kuala Lumpur – Jakarta route.

“The 777-300ER, the world’s largest long-range twin-engine airplane, exemplifies KLM’s policy to lead the market in innovation and climate and environmental care,” added Boyce.

Last year, KLM celebrated its 50th year of flights to Kuala Lumpur, half a century after a KLM Super-Constellation “Griffioen” bearing the flight number KL 821 first landed at the Sungai Besi Airport in Kuala Lumpur in 1958. KLM has since the 70’s been utilising the Boeing 747 to cover this historical route in the airlines’ aviation history and this fleet upgrade is an eagerly awaited occasion.

KLM Malaysia is also at the forefront in investing technology for the convenience of passengers, with its industry leading internet check-in (ICI) facility. This service boasts safe, easy and fast e-services for passengers. Through its website – www.klm.com.my – passengers can also book, purchase and get their e-tickets printed from the comfort of their home or office 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. With the issuance of an e-ticket number, travelling is much safer as there is no ticket to collect meaning that it cannot be stolen, lost or mislaid.

KLM is the oldest airline in the world still operating under its original name and has won the KLIA Awards Best Carrier of the Year by sector – Europe, and Best Foreign Carrier for two consecutive years in 2005 and 2006.

In May 2004, KLM merged with Air France, resulting in the creation of the world’s largest airline group by turnover and a world leader in its three core businesses – passenger transport, cargo transport, and engineering and maintenance. The merger has since paved the way for greater synergy and dynamism for the new business entity and both Air France and KLM continue to fly under their distinct brand names.

Air France – KLM and its partner airlines operate a route network offering more than 15,000 daily flights to 728 destinations in 149 countries. Air France – KLM is a member of the SkyTeam Alliance; one of the world’s fastest growing alliances.

Issued by WestCoast Communications Sdn Bhd on behalf of Air France – KLM
For media information, please contact
David Ong-Yeoh or Alfyan Adnan at 03-7954 4505

Communications & Publicity Division, Tourism Malaysia
Date: 30 March 2009
Tel: +603 2615 8188
Website: www.tourismmalaysia.gov.my