In April 2016, the partnership between KLM and Xiamen Airlines was expanded with a 10-year contract that will see KLM Engineering & Maintenance handling the upkeep of the General Electric Next Generation engines of six Xiamen Airlines Boeing 787-8s.

In 2011, KLM began operating direct flights between Amsterdam and Xiamen. Since them, KLM has welcomed almost a half million passengers on this route. Xiamen Airlines also began operating on this route in March 2015, as part of a strategic partnership between KLM, China Southern Airlines and Xiamen Airlines.