KLM AND RECARO INTERNATIONAL SIGN CONTRACT FOR NEW INTERCONTINENTAL TOURIST CLASS-SEAT

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and German - based Recaro Aircraft Seating announced today that they have signed a contract for the delivery of a new Tourist Class seat for KLM’s intercontinental fleet. The seat replacement is part of KLM’s scheduled replacement program, which additionally focuses on improving the quality of passenger comfort and convenience while achieving substantial savings in maintenance costs.

The current Tourist Class seats on KLM’s long-haul Boeing 747-400, 747-300 and 767-300ER aircraft will be replaced with the new-style Recaro seat between October 2000 and November 2001. The seats on KLM’s remaining long-haul aircraft will be replaced in phases during each aircraft’s standard maintenance check. The new-style seat will be installed immediately in all Boeing 747-400s still due for delivery. The next delivery is scheduled for October this year.

The operation will provide KLM’s passengers with greatly improved seating and sleeping comfort. The new intercontinental Tourist Class seat has a fully adjustable headrest provided with adjustable “ears”, a configuration similar to KLM’s new intercontinental World Business Class seats. The ergonomically designed back provides extra lumbar support.

Aisle seats will be equipped with a passenger step allowing easy access to overhead luggage bins. Mid-row aisle seats will be equipped with fold-up armrests for the convenience of physically challenged passengers. The seats will be covered with a blue fabric with a red motif.

The new design is based on the results of trials held in one of KLM’s Boeing 747-400 aircraft, the PH-BFV, since September 1999. The final design is based on the passenger appreciation ratings scored during this trial period. A standard Recaro seat was reconfigured to meet KLM’s specifications.