KLM took delivery of its first Embraer E195-E2 for its KLM Cityhopper regional subsidiary in a ceremony held Tuesday at Embraer’s Sao Jose dos Campos facility in Brazil. The first E2 delivery to KLM—via lessor ICBC Aviation Leasing—brings the total number of Embraer jets in the KLM Cityhopper fleet to 50.
KLM signed a lease deal with ICBC covering 10 of the 25 airplanes on firm order and another with Aircastle for 15. The Dutch airline recently exercised options on four of the airplanes, all coming from Aircastle’s existing orderbook.
Recognized as a global leader in airline sustainability efforts, KLM cites the airplane’s 31 percent reduction in carbon emissions per seat compared with KLM Cityhopper’s first-generation E190s as a key attribute of the aircraft. Meanwhile, the airplane generates less noise than planned future ICAO limits and its noise footprint covers a 60 percent smaller area than its predecessor—what Embraer called a critical measure given Amsterdam Schiphol Airport’s strict noise abatement rules.
“The new E2 is really going to make a difference,” said KLM Cityhopper managing director Warner Rootliep. “The addition of the E195-E2 to our fleet is a vital part of our plan to reduce our carbon footprint at least 50 percent per passenger kilometer by 2030. The 195-E2 is not only an economically attractive aircraft, it also fits perfectly within our sustainability initiative…Fleet renewal is currently the largest contributor to CO2 reduction.”
KLM chose a 132-seat cabin layout seating 20 in business class, eight in premium economy, and 104 in economy. Along with the new E195-E2, KLM Cityhopper’s fleet consists of 17 first-generation E175s and 32 E190s.