KLM Royal Dutch Airlines introduced its new fuel efficient, state-of-the-art Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft to America with a celebration at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) May 4. Approximately 200 passengers and crew enjoyed cupcakes and participated in a ribbon cutting ceremony before boarding the plane for its flight to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS).
KLM, which partners with Air France and Delta, has been flying this model plane for more than a year in Europe, Asia and South America, but the May 4 flight represents the first time the Dreamliner has touched down on an American runway. KLM will operate Dreamliner service twice weekly from SFO to AMS throughout the summer season.
“We are excited to inaugurate KLM’s first North American Dreamliner in San Francisco to support growing West Coast demand for the company’s exceptional in-flight service.” said Air France-KLM USA General Manager Eric Caron, who flew in for the event. “The KLM Boeing 787 Dreamliner reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to using great design to optimize comfort in faster, more fuel-efficient planes.”
KLM Dreamliner Environmental Features
The most profound attribute of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner is that it is up to 40 percent quieter and 20 percent more fuel efficient than other planes comparable in size. The aircraft is an important cornerstone in KLM’s sustainability goals, which include reducing the CO2 emissions of its fleet by at least 20 percent by 2020.
Fuel efficiency is achieved because the Dreamliner boasts redesigned engines, lightweight composite structure and aerodynamic efficiency. It emits up to 20 percent less in CO2 emissions, and has been manufactured using less hazardous materials to ensure the airplane can be recycled at the end of its life cycle.
Onboard Amenities
Inside, the Dreamliner features a state-of-the-art in-flight entertainment system, Wi-Fi for all passengers, and an interior cabin designed by Hella Jongerius, a renowned Dutch designer. Larger windows, a higher cabin pressure and special LED-lighting will help passengers arrive at their destinations feeling more rested and refreshed.
The World Business Class cabin is particularly luxurious. The full-flat seats are positioned to give passengers more personal space and privacy, as well as direct aisle access. State-of-the-art electronics allow them to play games, chat or watch a film on a 16-inch screen they can control using a handset. A special button allows them to tint the window to block out unwanted light.
Passengers in Economy Class can enjoy extra comfort, as the seats recline 40 percent more than previous aircraft models. All passengers have access to power sockets in order to recharge mobile devices. The in-flight entertainment system has been revamped to feature 11-inch touchscreens, more than 150 films and 200 television programs in 12 languages, interactive 3D maps and the option to communicate via Seat Chat with other passengers.
F&B on the plane has also been upgraded. Michelin three-star Dutch chef Jacob Jan Boerma has created the menus for the meals of World Business Class passengers on flights originating in Amsterdam, which are served on tableware designed by Dutch designer Marcel Wanders. Economy Class passengers have a variety of à la carte meal choices that can be ordered in advance.
To see a video of the ribbon-cutting, visit
Ribbon cutting at SFO for KLM Dreamliner @KLM_US @SmartMeetings pic.twitter.com/nZHldrKG66
— Susan Jacobs (@SmartMtgsSusanJ) May 5, 2016
