KLM improves inflight entertainment

KLM will introduce new entertainment facilities on its flights in the coming months and allow passengers to text and email for free.

Dutch carrier KLM Royal Dutch Airlines will be undertaking a major overhaul of the entertainment systems available to passengers on its long-haul flights.

On some planes, passengers will now be able to text and send emails from their seat. This service will be free of charge until September and will cost $2.50 per message thereafter.

From September, KLM passengers will also have an extended range of audio options to entertain them during flights.

These include audio courses in 23 languages. Provided by Berlitz World Traveller, the courses allow passengers to lean new languages as they jet off on holiday.

In addition, KLM flights will also feature a selection of audio books for passengers to listen to. Initially there will be three available in English, but the range is expected to grow in the future.

Currently, KLM's inflight entertainment system is available to passengers on its 777s and Airbus A330s. However, over the autumn the airline plans to install systems on all its MD-11 fleet as well.

KLM operates flights from a number of UK airports, including Birmingham International, London Heathrow, Manchester Airport and Newcastle.

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