ID :
407160
Thu, 05/19/2016 - 12:08
Auther :

Sustainability Is Theme Of KLM's New Cabin Design

By Ainul Huda Mohamed Saaid KUALA LUMPUR, May 19 (Bernama) -- The Royal Dutch Airlines (KLM) is recycling its flight attendants’ old uniforms into among other things, new carpeting for its cabin interior. Its long haul fleet is undergoing a cabin refurbishing exercise and sustainability in the guiding principle of the new designs. Helming the project is famous Dutch industrial designer, Hella Jongerius, who also incorporates into the design a 'feel at home' concept. "Both the Economy and Business Class of all our long haul fleet will be refurbished. "She (Jongerius) played with the lighting and the colours, so that the result will be a very nice and warm atmosphere," revealed Air France-KLM Country Manager (Malaysia and Brunei) Aude-Lise Combier (she) to Bernama recently. The new interior would also include for its Business Class a bigger full-flat bed that is more than two metres in length, which according to Combier would be one of the longest beds in the airlines industry. "We pay a lot of attention to privacy and comfort. Passengers will have their own personal space," said Combier, adding that the refurbishing project for the Kuala Lumpur-Amsterdam route would be finalised by the end of this year. STAYING ON TOP OF COMPETITION Founded in 1919, KLM is one of the longest operating commercial airlines in the world. It is also the oldest with its original name, Koninklijke Luchtvaart Maatschappij N.V., which translates into the Royal Dutch Airlines. It is also the oldest international airlines operating in Malaysia, starting the Malaysia-Amsterdam route in 1958. Since its first takeoff in May 1920 from London's Croydon Airport to Amsterdam, the airline has continued to thrive in the aviation industry. It survived the World War, the emergence of new airlines, various economic downturns and more recently, financial difficulties. "We have all worked very hard to reestablish the company. We are finally seeing the fruits of our labour this year," said Combier. KLM has succeeded in opening new destination routes this year and is planning to open more in the near future. The airline has also invested in a new Dreamliner last year. For Malaysia, beginning June, KLM will increase the frequency of its KL-Amsterdam route by introducing morning flights three times a week, besides the existing daily night flights. It will also expand its network with scheduled services to eight new destinations namely Southampton (England), Inverness (Scotland), Dresden (Germany), Genoa (Italy), Alicante (Spain), Ibiza (Spain), Astana (Kazakhstan) and Valencia (Spain). The secret to the airline's survival most probably lies in its strong affinity towards the Dutch demeanor. "Dutch people have a reputation of being 'straight talkers' and also for being practical. "For KLM, this translates into being down-to-earth and honest with all the passengers and treating them with respect," said Combier. Friendliness, a value that is famously associated with the Dutch, is also nurtured within the company and embedded into its day-to-day practice. Combier attributed KLM’s ability to stay ahead of its competition to its customer-centric policies as well as its passion in becoming the industry leader. "Competition in any industry, particularly the airline industry, is something healthy. It is healthy because it forces us to find unique and distinct products for our customers," she said. SUSTAINABILITY EFFORT KLM's effort in sustainability has been widely recognised. The airline has retained its position at the top of the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI) as the World’s Most Sustainable Airline for the 11th year in a row last year. "This recognition covers different aspects such as the way we design our cabins, and how we have quite drastically reduced the waste on our trolleys and all the materials used onboard. "It also acknowledges the attention we paid to the origin of the foods and drinks we serve on board," explained Combier. A pioneer in the biofuel programme, KLM is in the midst of testing the use of biofuel in certain flights within Europe, which, if successful, will be implemented in all their flights in due time. The company is also working with Delft University of Technology in Netherlands to invent a new aircraft that is more fuel-efficient and quiet in its operation. "It is important that we pay attention to the people who are living around the airport," said Combier. -- BERNAMA

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