KLM Cityhopper, the regional subsidiary of KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, is in talks with Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer to expedite the delivery of new and optioned E195-E2 aircraft, according to Maarten Koopmans, the managing director of the airline. In a recent interview with Aviation Week, Koopmans revealed plans to accelerate the entry-into-service of twenty-five E195-E2 options, with an immediate schedule that includes four E2s expected this year and three more in 2025.
The move to fast-track deliveries comes as KLM Cityhopper explores strategies to increase the seating capacity of its E195-E2 jets from 132 to 136 seats. This potential increase in density is part of the airline’s response to impending flight restrictions at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, stemming from a Dutch government noise abatement directive that will reduce the number of annual flights from 500,000 to 460,000. The directive has drawn criticism from local carriers concerned about its impact on operations.
Koopmans emphasized the airline’s commitment to maintaining quality service, particularly for business class passengers, despite the proposed increase in seat count. “We have 132 seats in the E2, and we are considering increasing that to 136 seats. However, we remain confident that we can keep the product for our business class passengers at the same level,” he stated.
ch-aviation has sought comments from Embraer regarding these discussions. Meanwhile, the KLM Cityhopper fleet, as noted in the ch-aviation fleets module, currently includes 64 aircraft—comprising seventeen E175s, twenty-nine E190s, and eighteen E195-E2s, with four of these E195-E2s presently inactive.
The carrier is also managing ongoing issues with Pratt & Whitney engines, similar to those experienced by operators of A320-200neo, A321-200neo, and A220-300 aircraft, which are expected to continue affecting operations for at least the next 18 months.
