Network and alliances

Our partner strategy has 3 main building blocks. First, KLM’s participation in the Trans-Atlantic joint venture with Air France and Delta Air Lines. Second, our joint ventures with Kenya Airways, Ukraine International Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Xiamen Airlines, and with China Eastern Airlines, and thirdly an extensive array of codeshare partnerships on all continents which enables us to expand our footprint around the globe.

Our strategic partnership with GOL in Brazil is also of great importance in order to remain the first choice for each customer segment traveling between South America and Europe.

The partnership with China Southern Airlines and its subsidiary Xiamen Airlines is key to our China strategy. We have a joint venture on 6 routes and about 40 codeshare destinations beyond KLM’s gateways in China, supporting KLM’s operations in Greater China, including Hong Kong and Taiwan. Together with China Southern Airlines and Xiamen Airlines, Amsterdam remains the leading gateway from Europe to China and from China to Europe with 8 destinations served non-stop from Amsterdam. Together with its partners, KLM offers 67 flights a week to Greater China.

Owing to the interconnection of networks served by a wide array of airlines, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol offers passengers access to almost every major destination in the world.

KLM regularly introduces flights to new destinations. When extending its network, KLM keeps a close eye on business and leisure developments in specific countries and regions that offer opportunities for profitable growth. KLM currently serves 162 destinations worldwide, of which 70 are intercontinental and 92 European.

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol plays a key role in KLM’s network. Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport is similarly important to Air France. This so-called dual-hub system is beneficial for Air France KLM as whole.

The networks and hubs are closely intertwined. New destinations consolidate the status of the hub and thereby increase the appeal of Schiphol for passengers and airfreight companies. In addition, the economic clout of a strong hub is beneficial to the competitive strength of the Netherlands as a whole and stimulates regional and national employment opportunities.