KLM Cityhopper is considering expanding its fleet of Embraer E2 jets and is considering including the E190-E2 variant among its orders, the company’s CEO, Maarten Koopmans, told Luchtvaartnieuws.
The Dutch outlet said the regional carrier is already in talks with the Brazilian manufacturer.
Cityhopper announced an order for up to 35 E2 aircraft in 2019, of which 21 would be firm orders and 14 purchase options.
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Since 2021, KLM Cityhopper has regularly taken delivery of the E195-E2 variant, configured with 132 seats, but all the planes are supplied through leasing.
There are currently 18 E2 aircraft delivered, but the airline has been experiencing difficulties with the GTF engines and as a result some jets have been grounded until they are recalled.
There are four new E195-E2s being assembled by Embraer and which are already associated with KLM, bringing the total to 22 aircraft.
It is understood, therefore, that the customer has already exercised options or signed new leasing contracts to expand its fleet.
Exclusive fleet of Embraer aircraft
KLM Cityhopper is an exclusive operator of E-Jets and currently has 29 active E190s and 17 active E175s.
The option for the E190-E2, which offers slightly more passenger capacity than the E190, is therefore a natural path.
The expansion of the fleet of new-generation jets is justified by the greater operational economy of the E2s compared to the previous generation.
Recently, Embraer revealed improvements to the family, which can fly longer distances and receive a seating layout with four more seats, among other innovations.
