Despite headwinds like Russian airspace restrictions, Chinese travellers are driving leisure and business bookings, keeping Air France-KLM optimistic about the China-Europe market. The company reported a 6 per cent year-on-year increase in unit revenue from its Asian market, with a passenger load factor of 89 per cent. Greater China general manager Steven van Wijk affirmed the airline's long-term commitment to the region.
Air France-KLM posted a 6 per cent year-on-year increase in unit revenue from its Asian market in the first three quarters, with a passenger load factor of 89 per cent, according to its earnings. These figures underscore the resilience of the China-Europe travel market despite challenges such as Russian airspace restrictions.
“These are very healthy financial figures,” said Steven van Wijk, Greater China general manager at Air France-KLM. He noted that the company’s approach is to remain flexible and responsive, ensuring continued service to the China-Europe market in a challenging environment, while working closely with Chinese partners to capture new opportunities. Van Wijk, who relocated to Beijing several months ago, described the underlying market as robust. “I’m optimistic about the future prospects. I’m also highly confident in the Chinese market and the two-way trade relations,” he said. “Our commitment to China is long-term.”
His confidence is supported by growing China-France trade ties and the sustained rise in travel demand from Chinese tourists, who are driving both leisure and business bookings. The airline eyes long-term growth in the region. Keywords include Netherlands, Russia, Greater China, Asia Pacific, Air France-KLM, France, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Paris, Europe, Amsterdam, China, and China-Europe.
The article, published on January 1, 2026, highlights the aviation sector's resilience amid global geopolitical tensions.
