KLM Cityhopper Signs Deal for Six New Embraer 190 Aircraft
KLM Cityhopper signed an operating lease agreement with BOC Aviation to lease six new Embraer 190 aircraft which BOC Aviation purchased from the Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer. KLM Cityhopper plans to add them to its fleet between November 2013 and April 2014. The order is part of the KLM Group’s ongoing programme to replace KLM Cityhopper’s fleet of Fokker 70 aircraft.
KLM Cityhopper, a 100% subsidiary of KLM, is the largest regional carrier in Europe. It performs about 100,000 flights each year with its fleet of Embraer 190 and Fokker 70 aircraft from Schiphol to forty-nine destinations in Europe. By replacing seven Fokkers with six new Embraers, the KLM Cityhopper fleet now consists of twenty-eight Embraer 190s and nineteen Fokker 70 aircraft. It gives KLM Cityhopper the largest fleet of Embraer 190s in Europe.
The Embraer 190 is more fuel-efficient, has lower carbon emissions, and the absence of the middle seat offers greater passenger comfort and more room for carry-on baggage. Moreover, the Embraer flies faster and offers greater capacity than the Fokker 70 in the markets in which KLM Cityhopper operates. The Embraer 190 offers seating for 100 passengers while the Fokker 70 seats 80. The influx of new Embraers will run concurrent with the phase-out of the Fokkers. Nevertheless, KLM will continue to invest in Fokker 70 aircraft and continue to fly them in its network for some years ahead
“This deal is a perfect example of the investments that KLM is making,” says KLM’s CEO Camiel Eurlings. “Not only do these investments make travel more comfortable, they also contribute to a more sustainable operation and greater efficiency, all of which will help us achieve our ambitious aims to reduce noise and carbon emissions.”
“It is a major endorsement for the E-Jets program to see KLM Cityhopper continuing its fleet modernization with additional E190s,” said Paulo Cesar Silva, President & CEO, Embraer Commercial Aviation. “Through its partnership with Air France, the combined group will operate more than 50 aircraft, the largest fleet of E-Jets in Europe. The participation of BOC Aviation was key in the success of this transaction and shows the role such an important lessor plays in the E-Jets program.”
“We are delighted to work with KLM, by helping its subsidiary KLM Cityhopper to support its modernization plan with the E190, a versatile and excellent aircraft,” said Robert Martin, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of BOC Aviation.
By investing in the new aircraft, KLM continues to strengthen its competitive position, both inside Europe and in the international market making use of European connections. It will also allow KLM to increase its capacity to a number of specific destinations.
