The curated wine collection on board (above); an aerial view of the flight (above right)
WAKING UP TO A NEW YOU
The only experience that possibly comes close to time travel is flying halfway across the globe to a different time zone. Exciting as it appears, it does not negate the copious amount of time you have to spend in a pressurised cabin, but the Boeing 787 does offer an engine that is 40 per cent less noisy with cabins that have higher pressure enabling more oxygen absorption. This takes care of the two major kinks of flying: ear popping and exhaustion. It is unreal to emerge from an eight hour flight feeling more invigorated than when you started. The womb is a blip on memory for most, but if there was anything that could recall that feeling, even in slightest measure, it would have to be the new seats of the WBC. The spacious flatbed seats boast a canopy that cocoons you from not just the other passengers but also the aisle. In Zodiac-Cirrus design, the 30 seats are configured in a reverse herring bone structure, each facing away from the aisle yet offering direct access to it. A little compartment fitted with a mirror to house your personal effects and atmospheric lighting help you feel at home. You can be tucked into bed with a glass of wine and a pick from over 400 movies and TV shows on the in-flight entertainment system, with a moving 3D map of the flight.
DESIGNER DELICACIES
The on-board menu curated by Michelin starred Dutch chef Jacob Jan Boerma has something for everyone. Starting with a cold soup, it moves up the gourmet food chain to braised beef and smoked salmon. The apple pie pampered with fresh cream is the sweet dénouement to a braise-worthy meal. KLM showcases the work of some of the finest Dutch designers. It shows up not just in their food but also wine collection which is curated by wine specialist Hubrecht Duijker served in charming stemware crafted by Marcel Wanders. Every little element is an overwhelming nudge to Dutch ancestry and culture. There was an adorable safety video featuring delftware animation that underlined their effort to be better, while being rooted in their heritage. What’s more, everyone got to go home with a gin-filled miniature Delft house. For those careful of their carbon footprint, KLM proves quite the guiltfree ride being one of the most environment friendly. A conscious effort to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, through use of bio-fuels in certain sectors is de rigueur; carpets are made from recycled air-hostess uniforms and the entire 787 aircraft is built to be recyclable at the end of its life. Now that’s called flying high.