KLM will begin introducing a new onboard service concept called Grand Café KLM on its European flights from October, offering passengers a wider selection of food and beverages as well as the option to pre-order selected meals before their journey.

According to a KLM press release, the new concept is intended to provide passengers with greater flexibility when choosing their onboard service. Alongside a selection that will remain available free of charge, passengers will be able to pre-order meals or purchase additional products from an expanded menu during the flight.

Meals available for pre-order will include options such as a poke bowl and Caesar salad, while products available for purchase onboard will include a salmon and egg wrap as well as yoghurt with fruit and seeds.

KLM will retain its existing complimentary offering in economy class. Passengers will continue to receive coffee, tea, water, orange juice and a traditional Dutch stroopwafel free of charge.

“We are delighted to welcome our passengers to Grand Café KLM. With this new concept, we are taking another step towards improving the travel experience in Europe. Passengers will have more choice and greater flexibility, with an offering tailored to their different needs and preferences,” said Bas Gerressen, KLM Executive Vice President Inflight Services.

He added that passengers will be able to choose whether to pre-order a meal before travelling or select one of the products available during the flight.

The new model follows several phases of testing carried out by KLM on various European routes. The airline had previously announced that it was considering changes to its economy class catering model, with the trials assessing the product range, sales process and overall passenger experience.

With the introduction of Grand Café KLM, the Dutch carrier is moving closer to a model that has become increasingly common among European full-service airlines, where a basic level of service remains included in the ticket price while passengers are also given the option to purchase a wider range of food and beverages.

The catering changes form part of KLM’s broader investment in its product on European routes. The fleet currently includes 16 Airbus A321neo aircraft and 25 Embraer E195-E2s, equipped with newer seats, USB charging ports and larger overhead bins for hand luggage.

KLM also introduced free Wi-Fi on its European flights several months ago, while Grand Café KLM represents the next step in the modernisation of the product offered across the airline’s European network.