KLM Cityhopper is currently one of the largest operators of Embraer E2 jets. The Dutch regional carrier took delivery of its 14th aircraft of its type in December, joining the 47 first-generation E-Jets in its fleet.
However, only six E195-E2s are currently being used, according to flight tracking records. The high unavailability is strange since Azul, another customer of the model, has been flying 13 of its 14 jets – the only one not providing services is the PS-AEN, which has just been received.
The eight inactive KLM E195-E2s range from the PH-NXD registration plane, which made its last flight at Christmas, to the PH-NXC jet, which has not taken flights since September 11.
Most E2s have not flown since mid-December, which is a long time for a new aircraft in a period of high passenger demand. So much so that the rest of the airline’s fleet is operating daily, with the exception of one E175.
PW1900 engine issues require time-consuming inspections
The cause of the long inactivity of the Dutch E195-E2 is the need for lengthy inspections on Pratt & Whitney’s PW1900 engines. The problem is the same as that affecting the Airbus A220, equipped with the PW1500 version.
The advanced turbofan of the GTF series has an impressive performance in reducing emissions and fuel consumption, but has experienced worrying situations such as sudden in-flight shutdowns.
To solve the issue, civil aviation authorities have decided to replace parts and update the Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) management software.
To correct the failure, however, the aircraft have been on the ground for a long time. Air Tanzania, for example, had to cancel several flights due to the unavailability of its fleet of four A220s, since there are no spare engines and the maintenance process is time-consuming.
Air Data News contacted the KLM press office, which confirmed on Wednesday, that it is dealing with the problem, which does not affect the safety of the aircraft but prevents its more frequent use.
“The usability of the E195-E2 is not yet optimal. The manufacturer of the Geared Turbo Fan (GTF) engines P&W has taken a big step with a durable, economical, and quiet engine. However, this engine has performance problems that can be found on all platforms that operate with these engines, worldwide (not just the E2s). The performance problems do not affect flight safety, but they do affect fleet availability. The engine supplier and the aircraft manufacturer are currently working on finding solutions. In addition, KLC is working hard to limit the effects on the operation as much as possible,” said de company.
The status of KLM’s 14 E195-E2s on January 3
| Registration | Model | SN | Last flight |
|---|---|---|---|
| PH-NXF | Embraer E195-E2 | 19020061 | 03/01/2023 |
| PH-NXG | Embraer E195-E2 | 19020062 | 03/01/2023 |
| PH-NXH | Embraer E195-E2 | 19020063 | 03/01/2023 |
| PH-NXI | Embraer E195-E2 | 19020064 | 03/01/2023 |
| PH-NXN | Embraer E195-E2 | 19020084 | 03/01/2023 |
| PH-NXB | Embraer E195-E2 | 19020047 | 31/12/2022 |
| PH-NXD | Embraer E195-E2 | 19020054 | 25/12/2022 |
| PH-NXA | Embraer E195-E2 | 19020045 | 19/12/2022 |
| PH-NXK | Embraer E195-E2 | 19020066 | 19/12/2022 |
| PH-NXM | Embraer E195-E2 | 19020076 | 18/12/2022 |
| PH-NXJ | Embraer E195-E2 | 19020065 | 11/12/2022 |
| PH-NXE | Embraer E195-E2 | 19020060 | 10/12/2022 |
| PH-NXL | Embraer E195-E2 | 19020067 | 09/10/2022 |
| PH-NXC | Embraer E195-E2 | 19020051 | 11/09/2022 |
Source: Planespotters and FlightRadar24
