KLM cityhopper launches Fleet Renewal Program with Embraer Order

KLM cityhopper (KLC) and the Air France regional subsidiary Régional Compagnie Aérienne Européenne (Régional) have signed an order with the Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer for 20 regional jets of the E170/175 and E190/195 family, as well as options for 18 other aircraft. KLM cityhopper’s share of this agreement includes 10 confirmed orders for E190 aircraft and 9 options.

From end 2008 till early 2010, KLC will phase out its 15 oldest Fokker 100 aircraft and replace them with 10 Embraer 190s and 5 Fokker 70s from Régional. The KLC configuration of the Embraer 190 will have 100 seats.

This order marks the launch of an extensive program to expand and renew the KLM cityhopper fleet to meet anticipated capacity growth in the years ahead.

The collective acquisition from Embraer by these regional subsidiaries of the Air France KLM Group offers synergy benefits in terms of the purchasing of aircraft, engines, and components, and presents future advantages in terms of handling, maintenance, and training. Further synergies have been found by adding Régional’s five Fokker 70’s to KLC’s large fleet of Fokker 70s.

KLM cityhopper is a wholly-owned KLM subsidiary. With a fleet of 55 aircraft, KLC operates around 270 intra-European flights a day to 45 destinations. KLC has a workforce of 1,500.

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