Amsterdam-based KLM picked up its first Embraer E195-E2 jet yesterday, Tuesday, February 23. The Brazilian aircraft builder handed over the plane in a ceremony in Brazil. With a firm order of 25 E195-E2 jets and options for 10 more, the aircraft will soon be a familiar sight around KLM Cityhopper's various European airports.
“The new E2 is really going to make a difference,” said Warner Rootliep, Managing Director of KLM Cityhopper.
The first of 25 Embraer E195-E2's arrives at KLM Cityhopper
This first E2 comes via lessor ICBC Aviation Leasing. The entire future fleet of E2s is coming via either ICBC or Aircastle. The new Embraers will operate exclusively on KLM's Cityhopper services.
Cityhopper is a regional subsidiary of KLM. That airline presently operates a mixture of Embraer E170 and E190 jets. Cityhopper's core business is operating feeder services for KLM's mainline airline. Today, Cityhopper aircraft are a regular sight at many airports around Europe. The Embraers, with their distinctive sky blue and grey colors, fly as far afield as Italy, Ireland, and Portugal.
Driving the initial purchase decision was KLM's desire to reduce its environmental impact and increase its capacity at slot constrained Schiphol Airport. KLM already operates 32 E190s. However, the new E195-E2s will have 32 more seats.
“The addition of the E195-E2 to our fleet is a vital part of our plan to reduce our carbon footprint at least 50% per pax/km by 2030. The 195-E2 is not only an economically attractive aircraft, but it also fits perfectly within our sustainability initiative," says Mr Rootliep.
The new Embraer fits well with KLM's desire to reduce its environmental footprint
Like many other airlines, KLM has embraced the sustainability cause. Nearly two years ago, the airline launched a "Fly Sustainably" campaign to raise awareness of sustainable travel.
"We have set ourselves the objective to lead the industry in delivering the economic and social value of network aviation in a sustainable way, by making our products and processes even more sustainable," says KLM's website.
KLM notes their new E195-E2 is not only the most fuel-efficient lowest emission aircraft in its class, but it is also the quietest by a considerable margin.
"We are now more than ever committed to reducing the impact of our environmental and ecological footprint. Fleet renewal is currently the largest contributor to CO2 reduction,” says Warner Rootliep.
Embraer forecasts a bright future for planes like the E195-E2
KLM Cityhopper's new Embraer perfectly conforms to the trend for small, fuel-efficient jets in normally busy markets like Europe. Embraer's 10-year market outlook, published late last year, identifies a preference for more profitable smaller airplanes in many markets. Embraer says smaller jets will play a crucial role at many airlines as the market recovers from 2020.
"Aircraft with up to 150 seats will be instrumental in how quickly our industry recovers,” says Arjan Meijer, President and CEO of Embraer Commercial Aviation.
Embraer believes the trend towards more fuel-efficient aircraft is locked in. These planes offer solid economic benefits for airlines as well as broader environmental benefits. Referring to his E195-E2 plane, Mr Meijer said this week;
“It’s the cleanest and quietest single-aisle aircraft on the market today. KLM’s decision to choose the Embraer E2 is a powerful endorsement of the E2’s role in achieving those environmental goals.”
Are you a regular Cityhopper passenger and looking forward to boarding one of their new E195-E2 planes? Post a comment and let us know.