KLM was the first carrier in Europe to introduce the new-generation B747-400s in 1989. The airline now has the largest fleet of Boeing 747s in the world.

It has 22 B747-400s, 17 of which are B747-400 Combi (these versions of the 747 have space dedicated to carrying cargo as well as passengers).

KLM has now upgraded its business class product on its B747-400s from the old cradle-style seating (average seat pitch of 60 inches (152cm), width of 21 inches (51cm) and recline of 150 degrees) to the same angled lie-flat seating as on the newer Airbus 330-200s and B777-200s.

B747 long-haul aircraft fly to destinations in Africa, Mexico, Asia, North America, South America and the Caribbean. They have a capacity for 428 passengers configured in two classes with 386 in economy and 42 in World Business Class (24 of of them are on the upper deck.)

The average seat pitch in World Business Class is 60 inches (152cm), while in economy it is 31 inches (79cm).