Economic Impact
Within our economic model, growth is an important precondition for prosperity. Air transport makes a significant contribution to economic growth. KLM is well aware of the economic impact its growth has on the destinations it serves. Many families can trace the source of their income, either directly or indirectly, to our activities. This is a great achievement, but it also brings with it an enormous responsibility.
The economic impact of air transport is most evident when we begin serving a new destination. Economic activity is stimulated, new commercial opportunities open up, and the local retail and tourist trade get a major impulse.
Growth Creates Job Opportunities
With more than 33,000 employees, KLM is a major employer. Wherever we grow, we create new job opportunities, either by employing people directly, or indirectly through the growth of our suppliers. When we access a new destination, the process stimulates trade thereby generating new job opportunities. However, we are also aware of the flip side. If we suspend services because a route is running at a loss, this can have an equally powerful, negative effect on the job market. We therefore always take the greatest possible care when deciding to suspend service to a particular destination.
Magnetism for Multinationals
In our domestic market, we can see that – owing partly to KLM’s strength and status – Amsterdam Airport Schiphol has become highly attractive to multinational companies. For many of these companies, our hub is an important reason for situating their head offices in the Amsterdam region.
