KLM Cityhopper (KLC) and Fokker Services signed a contract to replace the seats for the Fokker 70 fleet with new Acro seats.

With the Acro seats, KLC will introduce the Economy Comfort-zone class on the Fokker 70 fleet, similar to the Boeing 737 fleet within Europe. The Economy Comfort zone is located in the front section of Economy Class and offers an increased comfort level compared to traditional Economy Class. The seats offer a weight saving of 83 kilo per aircraft, increased leg room and reduced maintenance costs.

The replacement of the seats on the total fleet of twenty six Fokker 70’s is desired because KLC will continue operating its Fokker 70 fleet until 2018 and the ‘slim seats’ will enable the introduction of economy comfort zone. The seat renewal will be completed this year. This modification is in line with the enhancements and differentiation of the KLM product within Europe as well as the intercontinental product.

Fokker Services partnered with Acro Ltd to develop a new seat concept for the regional aircraft market. The Acro seats fulfill the specific requirements needed to comply with the demanding market. Short lead times, weight reduction, increased leg room, and a significant reduction of maintenance costs.

Peter Somers, President Fokker Services; “We are proud to have a major carrier like KLM Cityhopper choosing the Acro seat concept which is aligned with the fleet plans towards 2018. It demonstrates new seats allow airlines launching new concepts to increase revenues and passenger comfort”.

Boet Kreiken Managing Director KLC; “KLC has a clear strategy to continue with the Fokker-70 fleet until 2018. The new Acro seats allow us to launch the Economy Comfort Class on the Fokker fleet, simultaneously with the KLC Embraer190 and in line with the KLM Boeing 737 Europe fleet, which is already operational.”