KLM agrees with Schiphol that improving the airport and better service for travellers are urgently needed. The state of maintenance of buildings and workplaces does not meet the needs of travellers and employees at Schiphol. KLM also supports efforts to reduce noise pollution and the use of tariff differentiation to encourage airlines to deploy quieter aircraft.

What is paramount is that we must invest in cleaner, quieter, more fuel-efficient aircraft to make a difference sooner during the day and at night. New aircraft are 40-50% quieter than their predecessors, which means they immediately reduce noise impact substantially, as confirmed by data gathered in recent years. That is why KLM is investing €7 billion in aircraft that a cleaner, quieter and more fuel-efficient

→ View the complete infographic (pdf)

→ View the complete infographic (pdf)

National taxes make airfare more expensive for Dutch nationals, who switch to airports in neighbouring countries. Transfer passengers likewise choose another hub for their transfer. This is displacement, not sustainability. Such evasive behaviour increases carbon emissions.

→ View the complete infographic (pdf)

→ View the complete infographic (pdf)

Today, the cabinet decided to submit an amended package of measures in Brussels as part of the balanced approach procedure for reducing noise pollution around Schiphol. The outcome of this is a reduction with a bandwidth of 475,000 to 485,000 aircraft movements.

The package includes a significant reduction in noise at night through a combination of 5,000 fewer aircraft movements and measures such as deploying quieter aircraft as much as possible at night and banning noisy aircraft. This is expected to more than meet the noise target for the night.

It is important that the balanced approach process is completed carefully. It is positive that a number of measures from the broadly supported ‘cleaner, quieter, more efficient’ sector plan have been adopted. At the same time, KLM is concerned that the possible loss of historic slots could lead to retaliatory measures from other countries, resulting in the loss of connections important to the Netherlands as an international trading country.

KLM continues to renew its fleet and as a result, noise levels will further decrease in the coming years. We look forward to the European Commission’s assessment of the proposed measures with confidence so that a balanced package will soon be in place. This way we continue to connect the Netherlands with the rest of the world, in balance with the surroundings.

The sales and seating procedures for Economy Comfort on the KLM Cityhopper fleet are the same as they are on other KLM European flights. Seats in the Economy Comfort zone can be booked at any time before departure and prices start at 10 euros one way depending on the duration of the flight.

The new Economy Comfort zone on European flights offers up to nine centimetres more legroom and back supports that can recline 40% more. What’s more, passengers seated in the Economy Comfort zone can disembark quicker after landing because their seat is located at the front of Economy Class. Passengers in Economy Comfort zone can furthermore benefit from in-seat power.

Fees Economy Comfort Seats in Europe
All passengers traveling in Economy Class may buy an Economy Comfort seat for a nominal fee of € 20 to € 30 one way, depending on the duration of the flight. Flying Blue Elite members benefit from a discount.

How to buy Economy Comfort Seats
Economy Class seats can now be reserved any time before the flight: during online booking, through Manage My Booking, during online check-in and at the self service check-in machines at the airport. This also applies to Economy Comfort seats on European and Intercontinental flights.
 

With Economy Comfort, KLM extends its range of seating comfort options for passengers travelling Economy Class. Passengers could already opt for seats with extra legroom and for a seat in a row of two. This new alternative reflects KLM’s pledge to fulfil the changing needs of its customers, one of which was the call for more comfort options in Economy Class.

The nominal fee for an Economy Comfort seat will range from EUR 80 to EUR 150 for a one-way trip, depending on the distance covered. Flying Blue Platinum members and passengers flying on a fully flexible Economy Class ticket can reserve Economy Comfort seats free of charge. Flying Blue Gold members will get a 50% discount and Flying Blue Silver members will get a 25% discount.

Once passengers have booked a ticket, they can reserve an Economy Comfort seat via the ‘Manage My Booking’ tab on www.klm.com from 90 days before departure. Bookings can also be made via telephone reservation or at the ticket offices* or when passengers check-in online via www.klm.com. Economy Comfort seats can also be booked at the airport, via the self-service kiosks or at local customer service desks*.