In a bid to drive up sales and increase brand awareness in China, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and Air France have signed a contract with Chinese internet giant Alibaba to sell airfares through Alitrip – the company’s online travel platform.
Both KLM and partner airline Air France will become the first non-Asian carriers to support ticket sales on the Alitrip platform when the service launches in December. The two carriers will have their own web store on Alitrip, where Chinese consumers can purchase fares directly.
The move is part of both airlines' growth plans for China. KLM previously became the first foreign carrier to offer 24/7 customer service via the popular Chinese social media platforms Weibo and WeChat.
Having already served seven destinations in the Greater China region: Beijing, Shanghai, Xiamen, Chengdu, Hangzhou, Hong Kong and Taipei, KLM confirmed that the Chinese market was now one of its top five largest markets worldwide.
Speaking during the signing ceremony in Hangzhou, KLM president and chief executive Pieter Elbers commented on the partnership with Alibaba.
“Due to its extensive route network, KLM is well positioned in China to benefit from the growing demand for international travel. Hangzhou is also special, as KLM is the only airline to offer direct services to and from Europe. With this new partnership, we aim to reach a broader Chinese consumer audience in this strategically important market.”
For more information, visit klm.com
Clement Huang
