The increased number of flights from 26 March, 2023, marks the next step in the resumption of routes from and via Amsterdam to Greater China. The Chinese market is important to the KLM network, because of the level of demand from business travellers.

The planned schedules for the summer schedule are as follows:

Amsterdam - Hong Kong               Tues./Thurs./Sat.
Hong Kong – Amsterdam              Wed./Fri./Sun.

Amsterdam – Beijing                      daily
Beijing – Amsterdam                      daily

Amsterdam – Shanghai                  daily
Shanghai – Amsterdam                 daily      

Detailed flight times, days and fares may be consulted on KLM.com or in the KLM app

All flight schedules mentioned herein are subject to changes in travel restrictions and governmental authorizations.

We recommend passengers check the latest travel regulations prior to departure. A facemask must be worn on flights to and from China. See klm.traveldoc.aero for more information.

The flight schedule is as follows:

• KL 0857 departs from Amsterdam on Thursday at 18.55 hrs and arrives in Seoul Incheon at 12.25 hrs the next day. KL 0821 departs from Seoul Incheon at 13.50 hrs and arrives in Hanghzou at 15.00 hrs.
• KL 0822 departs from Hangzhou on Friday at 18.50 hrs and arrives in Seoul Incheon at 21.55 hrs. KL 0858 departs from Seoul Incheon on Saturday at 00.25 hrs and arrives in Amsterdam at 04.45 hrs.

All times are local.

Extra hygiene measures

Naturally, KLM has taken measures to ensure that flights are safe for both passengers and staff. For example, face masks are mandatory when boarding and during the flight, extra hygiene equipment is on board and KLM's aircraft are additionally cleaned using suitable cleaning agents. The air on board is quickly refreshed using HEPA filters. For more information about the hygiene measures on board, see this video: https://youtu.be/frPO6b58kcU

KLM complies with the strict requirements set by the Chinese government for the resumption of international flights. This means that passengers must complete a health declaration online and that the temperature of passengers is checked. The toilets, for example, are also inspected extra frequently during the flight. Furthermore, there are as few contact moments as possible between crew and passengers, which means there is limited catering available on these flights.

With the reopening of the Amsterdam-Shanghai route, KLM emphasizes the importance of the Chinese market in its network. The warm ties were the reason for Economic Counselor Chinese Embassy Mr. Zhang Guosheng and KLM's CEO Mr. Pieter Elbers to see this first flight off.

Photos: Mr. Zhang Guosheng, Economic Counselor Chinese Embassy and Mr. Pieter Elbers, president & CEO KLM, see the first passenger flight from KLM to Shanghai off on Tuesday 21 July.

Additional hygiene measures

Naturally, KLM has taken measures to ensure that the flight is safe for both passengers and crew. For example, face masks are mandatory when boarding and during the flight, there are extra hygiene equipment on board, such as hand sanitizer, and KLM's aircraft are thoroughly cleaned. The air on board is quickly refreshed using HEPA filters. For more information about the hygiene measures on board, see this video: https://youtu.be/frPO6b58kcU

KLM naturally complies with the strict requirements set by the Chinese government for the resumption of international flights. This means that passengers must complete a health declaration form online and that the temperature of passengers is checked. The toilets, for example, are also inspected extra frequently during the flight. Furthermore, there are as few contact moments as possible between crew and passengers, which means there is limited catering available on these flights.

The health of staff and customers is KLM’s chief priority at all times. To offer customers the most optimal network under the current circumstances, KLM will adjust its flight schedule to mainland China as follows:

KLM will extend the suspension of service to Beijing and Shanghai through 28 March.

Flights to Chengdu, Hangzhou and Xiamen will remain suspended through 28 March.

KLM is closely monitoring the coronavirus outbreak in China and is in close contact with various national and international health and aviation authorities.

Our previously announced rebooking policy for China will remain in force for customers. You will find further information on klm.com.

Top priority is awarded to protecting the health of employees and customers throughout KLM’s decision-making process. In order to offer customers the best possible network during these times, KLM will be adjusting its flights schedule to mainland China as follows:

KLM will extend the suspension of its flights to Beijing and Shanghai up to and including 15 March. With effect from 16 March, KLM will resume its services to Beijing and Shanghai. Flights will be alternated every other day between these two cities so as to at least offer a daily KLM connection between Amsterdam and mainland China.

Air France will operate a comparable schedule to Beijing and Shanghai. In this manner, our customers will have the option of flying daily from Amsterdam or Paris to China, and Beijing and Shanghai will be accessible from Amsterdam or Paris on alternate days.

With effect from 29 March, KLM’s daily flights will be resumed to Beijing and Shanghai.

For the time being, services to Chengdu, Hangzhou and Xiamen will remain suspended up to and including 28 March.

KLM is following developments in the wake of the outbreak of the coronavirus in China closely and is maintaining intensive contact with various national and international health and aviation authorities.

For our customers, the previously announced rebooking policy will remain in force for China. You can find more information at klm.com.

KLM has produced two video clips that tell the stories of Chinese millennials who have struck “Never Done” experiences from their bucket lists all over Europe – from their first KLM flight to eating herring in Amsterdam, and visiting a Barcelona barbershop. In the first video, KLM presents itself as a reliable, warm and service-oriented partner. In the second video, shot in documentary style, it comes to life through the eyes of well-known Chinese millennials.

The videos were commissioned by KLM and developed by VIRTUE Amsterdam, the creative advertising agency of the Canadian company VICE. The company drew inspiration from cultural research, insights and data from VICE and VIRTUE’s worldwide network, supplemented by readily available KLM research results.

The two videos will be distributed via WeChat, Youku, Weibo and KLM’s local channels and will target Chinese cities with a high millennial population.

Launch video: https://youtu.be/ycfK1D07Nuw

Influencer video: https://youtu.be/lJve22pxo2A

Campaignpage: https://neverdone.klm.com/

Network, technology and innovation have always played an important role in moving KLM forward, by making travel easy and creating memorable experiences for its customers. KLM was the first western airline in China to offer servicing on WeChat and Weibo in 2014, and opened its first flagship store on Alitrip (Fliggy) in 2016. The Netherlands and China are well connected by KLM and partner airlines, serving 8 destinations non-stop from Amsterdam to/from Greater China, with 67 weekly flights, connecting to over 50 KLM codeshare destinations in China, flying over 1.6 million passengers per year.

MoU KLM and Xiamen Airlines

The MoU between Xiamen Airlines and KLM was signed by Che Shanglun, Chairman of Xiamen Airlines and Pieter Elbers, President and CEO of KLM. Under the framework of this agreement, KLM Engineering & Maintenance will provide maintenance of 138 Leap engines for the new Boeing 737 Max operated by Xiamen Airlines.

Pieter Elbers commented: “This agreement intensifies our relationship and confirms once more KLM's expertise and competence in the area of high-grade engine maintenance, thereby securing job related opportunities in Amsterdam.”

Che Shanglun, Chairman of Xiamen Airlines commented: “Following earlier successful maintenance contracts between Xiamen Airlines and KLM, the signing of this MoU will lead to even closer ties and wider cooperation between our two airlines in the future.”

MoU KLM and Ctrip

The MoU between Ctrip and KLM was signed by Jane Sun Jie, CEO of Ctrip.com and Pieter Elbers, President and CEO of KLM. This MoU is a first step towards a strategic partnership agreement in which Ctrip and KLM will work on a set of projects to enhance the offer to Chinese consumers ranging from distribution and marketing to loyalty programs. For Ctrip as largest online travel agency, this is the sole strategic partnership with any European airline.

Pieter Elbers commented: “With so many complementary areas across our businesses and supply chains, the partnership with Ctrip has the potential to help us realize significant innovations in areas including customer service, data operations, flight route development and product marketing. This will help to solidify and grow The Netherlands’ position as the ’Gateway to Europe’ for Chinese travelers and enterprises."

Ctrip’s CEO Sun Jie commented: “With the great opportunities presented by the EU-China Tourism Year in general and the agreement with KLM in particular, Ctrip will help more Chinese tourists travel to Europe, broadening horizons and benefiting business partners in the region.”

With the ‘bottle of warmth’ campaign, KLM hopes to increase her brand awareness in the Chinese market. KLM will keep organizing similar campaigns in the future with the goal to conquer the hearts of her clients ‘at first flight’. How? Through distinguishable thoughtful and caring services.

Paying for a KLM ticket has become simple: once a passenger booked a ticket on KLM.com via desktop, and chooses WeChat as the preferred payment option, a QR code appears. Users scan this code which refers them to WeChat Pay, the money is amortized and a successful payment is done. If a customer booked a ticket on mobile or via the WeChat app, and chooses WeChat as the preferred payment option, the customer is automatically referred to WeChat Pay and able to pay for the ticket easily. Users need to bind their bankcard only once to use WeChat Pay.

KLM on WeChat
KLM opened a WeChat account in 2014 offering her Chinese passengers service, brand content and commercial offers via the platform. Since May 2017, KLM customers have the choice to receive their booking confirmation, check-in notification, boarding pass and flight status updates via WeChat. So far nearly 25% of all Chinese KLM customers booking online, receive their flight info via WeChat. KLM gets over 8000 servicing questions a week, mainly in Simplified Chinese.

About KLM and Social Media
Since 2009 KLM gained a reputation as an initiator and pioneer in the area of social media services and campaigns in the social landscape. In April 2017, KLM had over 25 million fans and followers on various social media platforms. Through these channels, KLM receives over 100,000 mentions every week, 15,000 of which are questions or remarks. These are personally replied to by 250 service agents, forming the world’s largest dedicated social media team. On Facebook, Messenger, Twitter, LinkedIn, WeChat and KakaoTalk (Korean) KLM offers her customers a 24/7 one-stop-shop in 9 different languages: Dutch, English, German, Spanish, Portuguese, French, Chinese, Japanese and Korean. During office hours KLM also services in Italian. KLM was the first airline worldwide to offer customers the option to receive flight documents and status updates via Messenger. KLM also offers this service on Twitter and WeChat.

KLM on Twitter and WeChat

KLM has over 2.2 million fans on Twitter and receives more than 25,000 mentions on a weekly basis. In September 2014, KLM started her WeChat account, offering passengers 24/7 service, brand content and commercial offers. WeChat is the no. 1 social media platform in Mainland China with 938 million monthly active users. KLM has over 120,000 fans and receives over 6000 questions a week, which shows that Chinese customers appreciate this platform to communicate with KLM.

KLM on Messenger

Last year, KLM introduced the KLM flight info service via Messenger, which proved to be a success. More than 1.4 million customers received their KLM flight documents and updates via Messenger, 10% of all online KLM bookings are confirmed via this channel and 15% of all online KLM boarding passes are sent via Messenger.

About KLM and Social Media

Since 2009 KLM gained a reputation as an initiator and pioneer in the area of social media services and campaigns in the social landscape. In April 2017, KLM had over 25 million fans and followers on various social media platforms. Through these channels, KLM receives over 100,000 mentions every week, 15,000 of which are questions or remarks. These are personally replied to by our 250 service agents, forming the world’s largest dedicated social media team. On Facebook, Messenger, Twitter, LinkedIn, WeChat and KakaoTalk KLM offers her customers a 24/7 one-stop-shop in 9 different languages: Dutch, English, German, Spanish, Portuguese, French, Chinese, Japanese and Korean. During office hours KLM also services in Italian.

KLM is specialised in the responsible airborne transportation of animals. KLM is one of the few airlines in the world with its own animal hotel. This facility is fully equipped to care for animals before, during and after their trip. In secluded surroundings, specially trained animal stewards ensure that the animals travel comfortably and safely. The animal hotel is open 24 hours a day. KLM mainly transports race horses, cattle, live insects, pets and aquarium fish.

Fu Hu was born in the world’s oldest zoo, Schönbrunn, in the Austrian capital, Vienna. The name Fu Hu means “Lucky Tiger” in Mandarin. He weighed 100 grams at birth, but has grown a lot in the past two years and now weighs 45 kg.

Fu Hu’s return to China is part of the national breeding programme. A couple of years ago, his elder brother Fu Long made the same trip. Fu Hu will be reunited with his brother at the park.

KLM is the only airline operating direct service between Chengdu and Europe. Together with its partner China Southern, KLM serves eight destinations in Greater China from Amsterdam, offering 54 flights a week.

Shanghai Airlines customers will enjoy SkyTeam alliance benefits such as earning and redeeming of Frequent Flyer Miles across the global network, Elite recognition, priority passenger service and access to more than 420 lounges worldwide. Shanghai Airlines will enter into codeshare agreements with the current SkyTeam members.

SkyTeam Managing Director, Mr. Marie-Joseph Malé, said: "The addition of the combined networks of China Eastern and Shanghai Airlines gives new opportunities for SkyTeam customers to access cities in all regions of China using Shanghai’s Pudong and Hongqiao airports".

SkyTeam No. 1 alliance for the Greater China region

After the effective entry in 2011, Shanghai Airlines and its parent company China Eastern will increase the SkyTeam presence in the region as their combined networks add up to that of Guangzhou-based member China Southern. China Airlines, based in Taipei, is also expected to join the alliance in the same period. Together, these four members will cement SkyTeam’s No. 1 position in the Greater China region. China Eastern and Shanghai Airlines will add 32 new destinations to the SkyTeam network.

Chinese Social Media
All photos, videos and messages from miffy’s travel adventures will be shared on Chinese social media including Sina Weibo, Renren and Tencent Weibo. Followers who participate in the many games, quizzes and online activities also have a chance at winning special KLM and miffy prizes designed especially for the campaign.

KLM developed this campaign with Energize, in cooperation with Mercis bv, owner of the nijntje/miffy brand.

For more information and photo material please contact:
KLM Media Relations
+31 (0)20 649 4545 

A Martinair B747-400 freighter will be deployed on this unique route and has been decorated in a specially designed livery, that not only reflects the Safari Connection but also the partnership between KLM and Kenya Airways. The roundtrip service will be operated twice weekly. The freighter has a maximum capacity of 110 tonnes.

“Thanks to the flexibility that the Martinair freighters offer the KLM Group, we can respond swiftly to market opportunities. This is very important in the current circumstances. This shows that the KLM Group intends to keep investing and innovating, thereby retaining an important role in the airfreight market. Naturally, we are also assessing opportunities to expand to other regions, such as Latin-America,” says Camiel Eurlings, managing director of KLM.

Extensive choice of destinations in the Greater China region
China Airlines complements the network of existing members, China Southern and China Eastern, and offers an extensive cross-strait operation to 20 major destinations in China. This provides SkyTeam customers with an unrivalled choice of travel options in the Greater China region.

“Thanks to excellent links to a number of existing SkyTeam hubs, China Airlines’ membership adds value to the alliance for both passengers and cargo customers,” said Michael Wisbrun, SkyTeam’s Managing Director. “Adding a quality brand from a strong economic region will support SkyTeam’s focus on our top priority- enhancing our products and services for our customers worldwide.”

“Joining SkyTeam is an integral part of our strategy for increased international growth and profitability,” said China Airlines’ Chairman, Mr. Chia-Juch Chang. “Today’s milestone is a momentous occasion in our history and we look forward to a future of cooperation and collaboration with our SkyTeam partners, bringing greater benefits to our distinguished passengers.”

Effective immediately, China Airlines customers will be able to earn and redeem miles on all services operated by SkyTeam member airlines. Members of other SkyTeam airlines’ frequent flyer programs can also earn and redeem miles when flying on any China Airlines operated flight. China Airlines will be included in all SkyTeam global deals, particularly benefiting corporate clients with business interests in Taiwan.

Refreshed China Airlines brand
While including the SkyTeam brand within its identity, China Airlines has also completely refreshed its brand image. The ‘Plum Blossom’ trademark and ‘Chinese Seal’ have been integrated, promoting China Airlines’ corporate identity in a simple, harmonized and modern design. The new logo will soon feature on all signboards, bulletins and travel products for passengers worldwide. China Airlines is also the first SkyTeam member airline to fly a Boeing 747-400 in SkyTeam livery colors. The aircraft was unveiled during the festivities at today’s ceremony.

“We are delighted to welcome China Eastern and its subsidiary Shanghai Airlines into SkyTeam and honored that they have chosen this platform for joint growth,” said Michael Wisbrun, SkyTeam’s Managing Director. “With these additions, we firmly solidify our position as the #1 alliance for the Greater China region. And while we further build on completing our geographical network coverage, our members will work together to enhance alliance-wide benefits for our customers.”

China Eastern and Shanghai Airlines will be included in all SkyTeam global deals offered to clients, benefiting corporate customers and offering increased opportunities for trade and commerce between this region and the rest of the world.

Effective immediately, China Eastern and Shanghai Airlines’ passengers can earn and redeem frequent flyer miles when flying on all services operated by SkyTeam member airlines. Members of other SkyTeam airlines’ frequent flyer programs can also earn and redeem miles when traveling on China Eastern and Shanghai Airlines-operated flights. Frequent flyers can also benefit from access to more than 465 lounges worldwide, including those offered by China Eastern and Shanghai Airlines at Shanghai’s Pudong and Hongqiao airports.

This was announced today at a press conference in Xiamen, where Vice-Mayor Pan Shijian of Xiamen and Peter Hartman signed a cooperation agreement.

“China Southern Airlines is very pleased with this new flight of KLM and another milestone in the cooperation”, says Zhao Xiaosong, Senior Vice President International Affairs and Alliances of China Southern Airlines.
 
Xiamen is the second-largest city in the province of Fujian and has a population of 3 million inhabitants. Owing partly to its favourable geographical location, Xiamen is undergoing rapid economic growth, attracting large international corporations. The city is also a tourist destination with interesting cultural and historical highlights.

The new service will be operated three times a week. Flight KL883 will depart from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, returning from Xiamen the following day. The return flight, KL884, will depart from Xiamen International Airport on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, arriving in Amsterdam on the same day. Flights will be operated with Boeing 777-200ER equipment, which can seat up to 318 passengers: 35 in World Business Class and 283 in Economy Class.

KLM’s SkyTeam partner China Southern Airlines offers connecting flights to and from Xiamen from a host of destinations in China.

During an official ceremony in Taipei, China Airlines’ President Huang-Hsiang Sun, joined the CEOs and representatives of SkyTeam member airlines in signing an Adherence Agreement, thus formally starting the process of China Airlines joining SkyTeam. The signing ceremony took place at National Concert Hall in Taipei, witnessed by Chairman of the SkyTeam Governing Board Leo van Wijk, Managing Director of SkyTeam Marie-Joseph Malé and Chairman Liu Shaoyong of future member China Eastern.

“The inclusion of China Airlines in our network will solidify SkyTeam’s unrivalled presence in the Greater China market, a region that continues to experience significant economic growth,” said Leo van Wijk. “In addition to the services provided by our existing members, China Airlines offers an extensive cross-strait operation, linking Taiwan to multiple major destinations in China. Also, Taipei will serve as an alternative Asian hub with services to and from key business destinations in the region.”

"Joining SkyTeam is a long-term development strategy for China Airlines, and for many years we have been actively promoting various types of cooperation with SkyTeam member airlines with this objective in mind. As the first Taiwanese airline to join the world-class alliance, our strategic target is to continuously strengthen profitability and boost international market competitiveness," said China Airlines Chairman Philip Wei.
 
Mr. Malé added: “We are honored and delighted to welcome China Airlines in our midst. We now enter a phase where China Airlines will work closely together with the current members to establish bilateral agreements and fulfill the more than 100 membership requirements We rely in particular on our Asian members to use their advanced experience in the alliance to guide China Airlines in the joining process and expect our newest member to effectively join SkyTeam around mid 2011”.

We have attached the SkyTeam press release on this topic that we dispatch on behalf of SkyTeam Corporate Communications.

The new service will be operated three times a week. Flight KL881 will depart from Schiphol on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays, arriving in Hangzhou the following day. Return flight KL 882 will depart from Hangzhou on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, arriving in Amsterdam on the same day. Flights will be operated with a Boeing 777-200ER, which can carry 318 passengers – 35 in World Business Class and 283 in Economy Class.

Hangzhou is the capital of the province Zhejiang, which, together with the neighbouring province Fujian, is home to more than 80 million people. Via Hangzhou, passengers can catch connecting flights to other destinations within China. Together with its partner China Southern Airlines, KLM offers passengers services to Beijing, Chengdu, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Hong Kong, and now Hangzhou.