KLM Now Serves Draft Beer on Selected Flights

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines recently launched the Heineken draught-beer trolley on board for business class passengers. The trolley was first used on August 31 in World Business Class on flight KL735 to Curaçao.

The brewery fresh draught beer, which is not a standard onboard feature, will only be available for passengers flying in business class on selected flights.

“The draught trolley is the result of a unique collaboration between KLM and Heineken, which focuses on the customer”, said Miriam Kartman, Executive Vice President Inflight Services.

According to the airline, the aim is to use the trolley as much as possible for special flights and events.

“It’s wonderful to see how these two leading Dutch brands have joined forces to develop a world first Heineken draught beer on a KLM flight”, Kartman added.

The draught-beer trolley

The beer that is served from the draught trolley is delivered cold to the aircraft in kegs which are enclosed in highly-insulated shells. These keep the beer at the right temperature, guaranteeing cold draught beer is on tap throughout a hot flight.

A select group of cabin personnel have received special training to pour perfect beer at altitude, which in no way differs from the draught beer passengers are used to on the ground.

Joining forces with Heineken is part of KLM’s product vision in which the Netherlands takes centre stage. Dutch Michelin-Star chef, Jacob Jan Boerma, has composed the meals for World Business Class; there is a special “Flying Dutchman” cocktail from Bols; Marcel Wanders has designed the crockery; and Jan Taminiau the comfort bags. The uniforms worn by KLM cabin crew have been designed by Mart Visser, while Hella Jongerius redesigned the cabin interiors. World Business Class passengers receive a comfort bag and a famous Delft Blue KLM House.