China is for KLM the 2nd largest international market, said Bas Gerressen, general manager of Air France KLM Greater China, in Chengdu, Sichuan province.[Photo by Huang Zhiling/chinadaily.com.cn]

KLM announced on Monday that Chengdu in Sichuan province, Hangzhou in Zhejiang province, and Xiamen in Fujian province will be the first three Chinese destinations added to the list of KLM new Boeing 787-9 destinations.

The new Boeing 787-9 service will start with the Chengdu route, beginning on March 28, then followed by Hangzhou on March 29, and Xiamen on March 30.

"KLM is proud to introduce our most-advanced aircraft, the Boeing 787-9, to these strategic and fast-growing destinations in China," said Bas Gerressen, general manager of Air France KLM Greater China.

The arrival of the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner at the three destinations coincides with their respective anniversaries this year: the 10th anniversary for the Chengdu-Amsterdam route, the 6th anniversary for the Hangzhou-Amsterdam route, and the 5th anniversary for the Xiamen-Amsterdam route.

"China is for KLM the 2nd largest international market. KLM serves its customers with 44 flights per week to 7 destinations in the Greater China region. They are Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Hangzhou, Xiamen, Hong Kong and Taipei, " Gerressen said.