KLM installs longer beds in Airbus A350 crew rest area to accommodate ‘tall pilots’
August 11, 2025
KLM has struck a preliminary deal with its pilots’ union VNV that will see the Dutch flag carrier boost flying capacity, accelerate Airbus A350 entry into service, and even install extended bunks in the aircraft’s rest areas to better accommodate the airline’s taller flight crews.
The deal clears the way for the swift introduction of KLM’s new Airbus A350s, ensuring the widebody – a new type for the carrier – is “deployed promptly upon delivery”.
KLM agrees to longer beds in crew rest for tall Dutch pilots
KLM said part of the agreement includes the installation of extended beds in the Flight Crew Rest Compartment (FCRC), which have been “specially designed for tall Dutch crew members”.
The Netherlands is generally considered the tallest country in the world, with the average height for men being around 6 feet (183 cm) and women around 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm).
This will ensure the type can be deployed on the airline’s longest routes, KLM added.
@airbus Check out this secret place found in the #A350 👀✈️ Delivering next-level comfort for the crew to relax and refresh! #Airbus #ForYou #Aviation #Cabin ♬ heartbreak sunset – choppy.wav
As part of Airbus’ Airspace cabin improvement programme for the A350, a new FCRC was installed in the upper crown of the aircraft.
KLM specifies pilots must meet a height requirement of between 1.58 and 2.03 metres, although it notes that no leg length measurement takes place during the selection process.
Airbus states that its flight decks are designed for a pilot who is between 1.58 m (5ft 2 inches) to 1.91 m (6ft 3 inches) tall.
Above those measurements, a physical check should be carried out to ensure the crew member can operate, including reach of the controls and panels and maintaining the correct field of view.
Since the A300, Airbus has incorporated an eye reference indicator on the centre windshield structure of all its aircraft. The device, featuring three red and white balls, enables pilots to adjust their seating until the white ball is hidden behind the red ones, confirming alignment with the eye reference point.
KLM prepares for Airbus A350 entry into service
The Air France-KLM Group signed an agreement in 2023 with Airbus for a total of 50 Airbus A350 aircraft, with an option for 40 further aircraft.
KLM expects to begin deploying the Airbus A350 on intercontinental flights from 2026, replacing its Boeing 777-200ERs, Airbus A330-200s and Airbus A330-300s.
The KLM-VNV agreement announced last week, reached after negotiations between the two sides, is designed to help KLM quickly fill cockpit positions, operate more flights and improve its bottom line.
Under the terms, pilots will work an additional day each month during the busy summer 2026 season, as well as one extra weekend day per quarter, enabling more than 10,000 extra services to be flown and “millions more passengers to reach their destinations”, according to the airline.
The package includes changes to pilot training arrangements, allowing mandatory simulator checks and exams to be scheduled at weekends.
KLM says this flexibility will help it respond more rapidly to market opportunities.
Pilot union deal paves way for stronger financial footing
Temporary measures will cover the gap until all pilot vacancies are filled, including extra flying days and special arrangements for summer holiday periods.
“We recognise the urgency to take action now. With this agreement, pilots are making a structural contribution to a healthy KLM, and KLM is showing that it values the role and commitment of its pilots,” said Ruud Stegers, chairman of VNV.
KLM pilots will receive compensation for the additional workload, including the permanent retention of an existing annual discounted travel scheme.
Both sides described the agreement as an important step towards a stronger financial footing for the carrier.
The proposal will now go before VNV members for approval in September.
