KLM Cityhopper to Lease Six Embraer 190s from BOC Aviation

KLM Cityhopper, KLM’s regional subsidiary, has signed a lease agreement with BOC Aviation to add six Embraer 190s to its current fleet of 22 E-Jets.

The additional E190s are part of KLM Cityhopper’s plan to replace the oldest aircraft in its Fokker fleet. The first of the six E190s is scheduled to be delivered in H2 2013.

Consistent with its current E190s, the new E190s will be configured with 100 seats in a single-class layout.

After delivery of the last aircraft from this new acquisition, KLM Cityhopper will have more E190s in its fleet than any other aircraft type.

All of the E190s will be deployed across KLM’s European network from Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport.

“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.”

KLM’s CEO Camiel Eurlings, added, “This deal is a perfect example of the investments that KLM is making ... 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.”

BOC Aviation is an Asia-based aircraft leasing company with a portfolio of 225 owned and managed aircraft operated by 56 airlines worldwide. Its fleet has an average age of less than four years.