KLM

[White Heather]

I agree that A320 seats are very comfortable - far superior to those in Boeing aircraft generally in my opinion. That said, I found on my last trip on Jet2 (4hrs 40 minutes down to ACE and 4 hours return) that the new seats are at least as comfortable as the old ones, and the additional leg room is great. I do agree though that the seat squab is short, which adds to the perception of leg room but doesn't provide much under thigh support. Personally I prefer that though, as I often found the end of the old seats digging into the backs of my thighs, reducing circulation and giving me pins and needles, which is not a good thing. The fact is though, that since everyone is a different size, shape and weight, there is no such thing as an aircraft seat that suits everyone. I am sure the manufacturers base them on Mr or Mrs Average and if you don't fit the template for that, any seat has the potential to be uncomfortable over longer journeys.

 

[Tarn Spotter]

My pet hate is reclining seats on short haul flights, in my mind should be banned on under 5 hour flights.

 

[TheLocalYokel]

My pet hate is reclining seats on short haul flights, in my mind should be banned on under 5 hour flights.

I agree completely.

 

[imagineif]

Going slightly off topic, but agree about those seats on the Monarch ... but they are changing them I heard. Fitting new slim seats with IPAD holders. Also totally agree about the recline, those ACRO seats have a kind of cradle design as it is which makes you feel slightly reclined - I fell the recline function is something that should be abandoned on short haul.. certainly I have done 4+ hours on Ryanair and did not miss recline - was also grateful not to have a seat in my face.

I did HKG on the Cathay A340 and those seats are fantastic, they recline within a shell so you still get extra comfort without annoying the person behind you!

 

[airforced]

I did HKG on the Cathay A340 and those seats are fantastic, they recline within a shell so you still get extra comfort without annoying the person behind you!

That seems to be a superb idea. Best of both worlds. Will it catch on as a general rule though?

 

[imagineif]

I think for long haul they are an amazing idea, very clever! But Cathay are in the process of getting rid of them Replacing with more traditional seats - old style recline back.

 

[lbaspotter]

Just re-checked the KLM flight scheduled for the summer and it looks like the Fokker 70 will continue to operate the KLM1540, KLM1545/1546, KLM1549/1550 & KLM1551 roations until the Embrear 190 replaces it from Monday May 24th. The good news is that when the the mid-day KLM1547/1548 (4th weekday rotation) resumes on Monday March 31st it will be operated by the Embraer 190 all season now.

 

[imagineif]

Yes although the summer schedule is about to commence for KLM the Embraer won't operate fully until the end of May. All the LBA based pilots are now training on the Embraer so they can operate the night stop in and early out.

On Sunday they took delivery of another 2 E190's PH-EXB & C - about $15 million USD each so bargain.

Here is a nice little video from youtube... look out for a special appearance from LBA!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qwdo6XuU ... 2e3Ou-RSWQ

 

[lbaspotter]

Just a head ups as to note that from tomorrow, Monday March 31st the 4th daily KLM Amsterdam lunchtime KLM1547/1548 rotation restarts and is scheduled to be operated by the Embrear 190 all summer whilst the remaining 3x services continue to be operated by the Fokker 70's until mid May...

 

[imagineif]

Nice Delay on the KL1551 this evening, LBA estimate it at 23:00 but Schiphol says it's not estimated to depart until 22:25 UK time so it will be more like 23:30.

Its currently planned to be PH-KZF which is on the ground in Amsterdam but there must be a technical issue or crew issue. If the crew have already done 3 flights today and this is chasing a 2+ hour delay they could be pushing it hours wise.

Out of interest, I tracked down PH-KZF to see what it had done today & I was amazed.

According to Schiphol FIDS and Flight Radar this little Fokker did all this today!

HUY-AMS-NWI-AMS-GVA-AMS-HAJ-AMS ... planned to LBA

WOW! Thats what you call aircraft utilisation lol

Delays started creeping in on the Geneva and apparently lots of slot issues today which had a snowball effect.

I saw on CH Aviation that KLM are to decide on a replacement for the Fokker fleet by the end of the year!

 

[Seasider]

Don't forget the 1 hour time difference, that makes both times tie up.

 

[imagineif]

No it doesn't lol

LBA website put an ETA of 23:00 Local Time but Schiphol showed it as ESTIMATED DEPARTURE 23:25 Dutch time which is 22:25 UK time. Since I doubt it can taxi take off and fly from AMS-LBA in 25 minutes it was inevitable it was going to land at 23:30'ish UK time and I believe it in fact landed at 23:28.

So I took the time difference into account.

 

[imagineif]

KLM's next and final (of this order) Embraer 190 PH-EXD - is due April 30th, delivery via Tenerife...

Somebody has let slip that it is sporting a new KLM Livery, yes new!

"KLM to revise iconic livery, brand refresh to be rolled out across the fleet. First aircraft and new look will be launched April 30th with the arrival of Cityhoppers latest Embraer 190 PH-EXD. KLM last modified its livery some 10 years ago, the new look will give the now dated livery a modern fresh feel."

Source - Trusted
Public Discussion - Can be found in Airliners.net forum
KLM confirmation - A Tweet Stating "We are excited about out next aircraft delivery"

Came across the following registrations in a brockerage listing too which confirms the exact frames that will leave the Fokker fleet, some already have..

PH-KZG
PH-KZH
PH-KZV
PH-KZW
PH-JCH
PH-JCT
PH-WXA

 

[whoshotjimmi]

The almost obsessive thirst for knowledge, attention to detail and passion that users contribute to this forum make is an absolute pleasure to behold! What are the odds that the new livery will make its revenue earning debut at LBA? I shall ring Ladbrokes immediately....

 

[lbia]

Ten quid says that it doesn't appear. You never know though, the KLM ops management might be avid readers of this forum and wish to please the LBA anoraks.

 

[imagineif]

lol never say never...

Generally, the E190's are in revenue service some 24 hours after arriving in Amsterdam.

Discussion continues on various forums regarding the "new look", even saw one comment from a person who is clearly working in KLM offices saying "Seen a picture, Looks amazing!"

Many traditionalists suggest it will be another subtle refreshing of the livery, to interfere too much with the KLM blue would cause a national outrage. There is quite some speculation that the new livery will feature Orange, the national colour of the Monarchy in Holland and appropriately on April 30th the KLM CEO will launch the new Livery which coincides exactly with the 1 year anniversary of the King taking his throne... oh and by the way! The King of Holland is a fully certified KLM cityhopper pilot with a Fokker 70 rating!

All the pieces of the puzzle appear to be coming together...

Quite a coup for Cityhopper to be honoured with the reveal!

 

[lbaspotter]

Of though it was kings day (orange day) for the Dutch this weekend?

 

[imagineif]

Kings Day was on Saturday - Queens/Kings day celebrates the Birthday of the Monarch

The 1st anniversary of him taking over the throne is on the 30th.

 

[752]

Does anybody think a 5th daily AMS service could work?

 

[a300boy]

I am personally happy with four a day but look forward to the new aircraft type being able to make Cat 3 approaches followed by an auto land in the winter months. This will improve the service reliability due to the F70 being only Cat 2 which creates problems from time to time.