KLM is inextricably linked to Schiphol. The Amsterdam airport has been KLM's homebase from the airline's inception to the present day. KLM has grown enormously over the years and has made Schiphol the mainport with international appeal it is today. To remain successful in the international airline industry and to maintain the Netherlands' competitiveness, KLM needs to continue to grow.

Engine for the economy
If the airline industry grows, so too grows Schiphol. The mainport is a body of companies and activities that augment each other, making the airport and the wider region an international junction for streams of people, goods, money, information, and culture. The mainport is consequently an important engine for the economy and employment in the Netherlands. Moreover, it also makes Amsterdam more attractive to companies looking to open offices in the region - Amsterdam is among the top five of European cities.

Hub system
KLM and its partners link the Netherlands to the rest of the world through the mainport. Schiphol is a hub, an airport which primarily focuses on transfer traffic, where passengers can connect flights and freight companies exchange cargo all day long. A Schiphol day begins early with the arrival of a large number of the intercontinental flights. This early start allows passengers to transfer to connecting European or other intercontinental flights. This carefully synchronized balance between in- and outbound flights throughout the day is the core of the mainport. The hub Schiphol has been made stronger by the merger between Air France and KLM. Air France has its own hub at Charles de Gaulle Airport, Paris.

Ahead of the competition
One aircraft brings passengers or cargo to the hub from where another aircraft takes them or it to their destination. Because passengers and cargo could also reach their destination via another hub, the hub systems compete for every single transfer passenger and all transfer cargo. This means that KLM and Schiphol have to do all they can to continue to grow - KLM as the linchpin in the network for flight connections and Schiphol as the hub that serves that network.

Responsible growth
KLM understands completely that air transportation brings both burdens and joys. It has been working for years towards the sustainable, selective, and qualitative growth of Mainport Schiphol. KLM has therefore been committed to improving the living conditions in the surrounding area wherever possible. This is carried out in conjunction with local residents, local authorities, and others who are affected.

Good neighbor
KLM is a successful enterprise that wants to continue to grow. For years it has directly and indirectly contributed to employment and invested greatly in training programs. It wants to continue to provide future generations with career opportunities, income, good working conditions, and a good living environment.
KLM is investing millions in quieter and cleaner aircraft. It has also been taking operational measures for years to reduce noise pollution, for instance, through nighttime gliding approaches, using different braking techniques, and the use of winglets on wingtips. KLM also makes a major financial contribution to noise-insulation projects in the region and to new noise-abatement initiatives, including a more sophisticated use of flight approach and departure routes in and out of Schiphol. This is done in collaboration with air traffic control.

Sustainable flight
Because KLM's work terrain is the whole planet, KLM is taking the lead in adopting sustainability policies . It is taking steps on all fronts to limit the amount of damage it does to the environment, both in the air and on the ground. KLM has set itself the goal of reducing its CO₂ emissions by 3% by 2012 and 17% by 2020 and compensates entirely for its growth. Examples of environmentally friendly initiatives on the ground are the use of red diesel in ground vehicles, separating waste, and participation in projects that stimulate the use of public transport.