KLM
Royal Dutch Airlines – the oldest airline still operating under its original
name – was founded in 1919 to serve the Netherlands and its colonies. In 2004,
KLM merged with Air France and it is now part of AIR FRANCE KLM Group. I didn’t
know that the KLM Group includes also the wholly subsidiaries KLM Cityhopper,
transavia.com and Martinair.
Having
a chance to fly with various airlines, together with Air France – Klm is at the
forefront of the Eurpean ariline industry, where over 32.000 KLM employees work
to provide innovative products for their customers and a safe, efficient,
service-oriented operation with a proactive focus on sustainability. With a
small homebase from which to work, KLM has maintained an international
orientation from the beginning. It is known that the future of aviation is
impossible without close cooperation between airlines. Long-standing
partnership between KLM and Northwest Air Lines (now integrated into Delta
Airlines) has shown that such an alliance can deliver on-going benefits.
Passengers
travelling with KLM are able to transfer quickly and easily at Schiphol – KLM’
homebase in Amsterdam, but for Air France – this is the Paris airport Charles
de Gaulle. Thanks to the airlines joint venture – they both are able to enjoy
the benefits of two connected hubs.
Each
time, when I search for the flight – I want to make sure I am flying with
airline that is known for its good reputation and high-quality standards. This
Spring, I decided to book my flight to Poland via Amsterdam through Air France
KLM Group. Here, I should mention that I personally didn’t book my flight as it
was my special “project” with the airlines who became the sponsor of my trip.
From the very beginning, I was very pleased with the way of communication with
the airline and its head office in Canada. Dates of my trip as well as details
regarding connecting flights& final destination were discussed in advance
so I was very happy when one day I received an email with my e-ticket with
valid information.
Depending
on your destination, you have a choice of different travel classes, including
World Business Class, Europe Business Class, Economy Class (Economy
Comfort&Economy) as well as Fly La Première, which is the First Class of
Air France. On my intercontinental flights – I had a chance to experience KLM’s
top class – World Business Class.
My check-in at Sky Priority
Since
the very beginning, my journey with the airline was a very pleasant. There are
separate check-in stations for each class type. The line-up for Economy class
wasn;t that long however I was lucky to
be able to drop off my 2 luggage (yes-if you fly with World Business Class you
have extra baggage allowance-up to 23kg each) at Sky Priority check in station.
Before
heading for boarding I had a priviledge to rest in thee KLM Crown Lounge –
spacious room with comfortable seats and good selection of food items and both
non and – alcoholic beverages.
KLM Crown Lounge in Calgary
Boarding
started with inviting passengers on wheelchairs(with help of airline cast) as
well as families with small children and World Business Class passengers,
followed by the rest of the travellers.
Our boeing flying from Calgary to Amsterdam
World
Business Class is being transformed on increasingly more KLM aircraft. Dutch
designer Hella Jongerius designed the new cabin as well as the new flat-bed
seat which will replace the angled flat seat that are currently offered in the
class. When fully flat, the bed is about 2 metres (6.6 foot) long and it is
equipped with a massage unit. Each passenger has privacy canopy and personal
entertainment system with 17” screen. The cabin features a world’s first, a
carpet made from old uniforms woven in an intricate pattern, combining with new
pillows and curtains following a similar intricate design language.
Seats in KLM's World Business Class
Right
after taking my seat I was welcomed with World Business Class comfort kit
designed by Dutch design duo – Viktor&Rolf. The design and color of amenity
kits change every 6 months (mine was beige) and you can find everything you
might need during your flight, including socks, eye mask, toothbrush&toothpaste,
earplugs, and V&R lip balm.
My Wiktor&Rolf "gift-bag"
A
wardrobe service was offered upon entering the cabin(yes-I’m always taking a
coat with me), together with welcoming drink (choice of water, freshly squeezed
juice or champagne). I chose the last option-of course.
Welcoming glass of champagne - perfect to start enjoyable flight!
From
the very beginning I was very impressed with flight-attendants uniforms. In
2010, KLM introduced new uniforms - designed by Dutch couturier Mart Visser -
in beautiful blue color that is perfect for suit jacket, suit pants and west.
Right
after departure, flight-attendant offered newspapers&magazines as well as
menu cards (both in English and Dutch language) so I have enough time to decide
what I would like to eat. All meals are prepared specially by top Dutch chefs
and are served on Marcel Wanders crockery. Hot towels were offered before
dinner.
Menu card
The
meal service started with tasty
appetizers of hot-smoked salmon on a tomato cucumber carpaccio and Mesclun
salad followed by a 3 choices of main course, such as grilled chicken with
maple chipotle sauce, rice pilaf and Mediterranean vegetables; sun-dried tomato
and goat’s cheese ravioli complemented by creamy tomato pesto sauce and
mushroom medley or braised beef offered with broccoli and sweet potato mash.
Each meal was accompanied with top selection of red&white wines (with one
of my favourites – Juien Schaal Mountain Vineyard Chardonnay 2013 from South
Africa). After dinner, they invited everyone to select dessert, with the choice
of chocolate tartlet, raspberry mousse, a cheese plate with Cheddar and Brie
and seasonal fruit accompanied with coffee or tea served with chocolates
created by famous Dutch parisserie Van Wely.
Just
in case you are hungry and cannot wait till the breakfast time, KLM offers
between-meal snacks, with selection of savoury&sweet snacks, such as
sandwiches, raw vegetables with dip and organic Australian ice cream.
Appetizer
Main course
I
was so happy when I saw personal entertainment system – more than 1000 hours of
entertainment, including over 80 films (recent releases, classics and world
cinema), TV programmes, including comedy, drama, travel, concerts, sports, news
and lifestyle; Euronews, hundreds of CDs and exclusive KLM music specials (my
favourite Chris Botti and Andre Rieu!!), language courses, audio
books and games.
Personal Entertaining System (including my favourite Chris Botti for KLM)
About
ninety minutes before landing more hot towels were distributed, followed by
tasty breakfast , including warm egg strata, fresh fruits and joghurt,
selection of buns with butter/jam/hone and of course – morning coffee/tea.
Breakfast
During
both of my intercontinental flights – I have to admit that I received 100%
attention from flight-attendants who were asking once in a while if I needed
anything.
Airport in Amsterdam
From
Amsterdam to Berlin-Tegel(my destination) I was flying Europe Business Class,
where I had a chance to experience similar quality of services – but of course
the flight was way shorter(only about an hour comparing to over 8 hours on the
intercontinental flight). If you are on a flight under 120 minutes – KLM offer
cold meal (depending on the time of a day – they serve fresh sandwiches, main
course salad or tapas platter, together with organic joghurt, hors d’oeuvres
and/or desert). On KLM flights that are longer than 120 minutes –you can choose
between two hot meals.
Re-assuming
my whole experience with KLM – I have to admit that this airline is in my
“top3”choices. The flight was very pleasant experience with outstanding
service. Although you have choice between different flying classes – I would
definitely recommend investing more and book World Business Class ticket (to
experience highest quality of services on board as well you would earn up to
175% Flying Blue Miles).
What
is so unique about the airline is that since 1950s, KLM presents every World
Business Class passenger with a unique gift – a Delft Blue miniature traditional
Dutch house (one out of 94), filled with Dutch gin – also known as genever.
Every year, in October, the airline celebrates the anniversary of KLM’s
founding in 1919 by presenting a new house. To browse Delft Blue houses, click
here:
My special
“Thank You” note to AirFrance KLM Group
for partnering with me on my European trip and KLM crew for its outstanding
service. It was perfect timing and true pleasure to celebrate KLM’s 95th
Anniversary and AirFrance 80th Birthday!!
For
more information about destinations and rates – visit KLM website at:
