KLM Cityhopper Secures Eight Embraer Jets on Wet-Lease Due to Pilot Shortage for Summer 2024

KLM Cityhopper has bolstered its fleet with eight Embraer regional jets through wet-lease arrangements for the Summer 2024 season, addressing a pilot shortage that has limited the use of its own aircraft. The airline, based at Amsterdam Schiphol, has partnered with German Airways and Eastern Airways to ensure continued service during this busy period.

A spokesperson for KLM Cityhopper disclosed to Aviation Week that the temporary shortfall in pilots led to the leasing decision. “We have entered into wet leases due to a shortage of pilots. We have recently recruited more pilots who are currently undergoing training,” the spokesperson stated.

According to the ch-aviation fleets module, the wet-leased aircraft include six E190s from German Airways and two jets from Eastern Airways—one E170 and one E190. These aircraft are all operating from Amsterdam Schiphol under the KLM Royal Dutch Airlines code.

Despite KLM Cityhopper’s robust fleet of seventeen E175s, thirty E190s, and eighteen E195-E2s—with eight additional E195-E2s on order—the pilot shortage has left several aircraft temporarily grounded, including one E175, four E190s, and three E195-E2s.

Earlier this year, KLM Cityhopper announced its intention to wet-lease additional regional jets but had not specified the number at that time. Additionally, KLM is supplementing its mainline operations with a single Airbus A321-200 wet-leased from Privilege Style for the summer schedule, reflecting the airline’s broader strategy to maintain service continuity amidst staffing challenges.