(Yicai) Nov. 27 -- KLM Royal Dutch Airlines will consider increasing its capacity in China this year based on market development, according to the general manager of the Dutch flag carrier in China.

The company will gradually rebuild its operations to levels seen before the Covid-19 pandemic, the Paper reported today, citing Wouter Vermeulen, talking during a China visit of several company executives.

China remains one of KLM’s most important markets in the world outside of Europe this year as the aviation industry is recovering. The regional occupancy rate was higher this summer than that of 2019, despite the limited capacity in China, Vermeulen said.

KLM is trying to tap into the potential of Chinese tourists. It stays in close contact with relevant departments to promote the issuance of Schengen visas while the firm has been re-establishing contact with customers after the pandemic. Its focus in the Chinese market is to rebuild its operational foundations in Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, and Taipei, the GM said.

The airline will also step up its efforts to launch new in-flight services and products targeting the Chinese market, including language services, meals, and in-flight entertainment, to improve the service for Chinese passengers, he said, adding that some measures are already in the works, and their implementation requires all parties’ efforts.

"We hope that KLM can speed up the recovery to the pre-pandemic capacity in the next one or two years, depending on the vitality of the market and our next action plan," per Marjan Rintel, president and chief executive.

During the latest trip to China, KLM executives not only touched base with Chinese employees, but also discussed with the Civil Aviation Administration of China, diplomats, and business customers about their needs and plans for the Chinese market. The executives also met up with local partner China Eastern Airlines to discuss further cooperation.

Shanghai-based China Eastern Airlines is a shareholder of Air France-KLM, the French owner of brands Air France, KLM, and Transavia. Air France-KLM and China Eastern cooperate on routes from Shanghai to Paris and Amsterdam and the scope of joint operation will be expanded, said Roland Coppens, vice president of KLM's alliances and joint ventures.

Editor: Emmi Laine