Dutch airline KLM has unveiled the latest makeover of its new World Business Class Cabin, which is carpeted with discarded bits of old uniforms and is designed to evoke the comforts of home.
For the redesign, the carrier teamed up with Dutch designer Hella Jongerius, whose portfolio includes clients like Ikea, Nike, Evian, and the United Nations lounge.
With a color palette based on different shades of blue — the carrier’s signature color — a polka dot motif, panels, curtains and cushions are meant to warm up the cabin and help passengers feel more at ease during their flight.
The cabin will also feature new full-flat seats that can be reclined horizontally, while strategically placed TVs and partitions ensure greater privacy for passengers. Seats will also come with more storage compartments.
The cabin’s carpet, meanwhile, uses recycled bits of old, discarded KLM women’s uniforms.
The changes are being made on the fleet’s Boeing 747-400s and will debut in an inaugural flight in July. The entire 747 fleet is expected to have incorporated the new design by April of next year.
Meanwhile, last year Singapore Airlines announced plans to revamp its seats and cabin interiors in response to mounting pressure from rivals like Cathay Pacific, Etihad, Emirates and Gulf Air which position themselves as premium and luxury carriers.
Part of the plan includes spending $16 million USD to upgrade its airport lounges around the world, also with the aim of recreating a “home away from home.”
