KLM has signed an agreement with Embraer for 21 E195-E2s, with an additional 14 purchase rights worth up to $2.5 billion at list prices.
All 21 of the firm aircraft will be acquired via operating lease from Aircastle and ICBC Aviation Leasing, each providing 11 and 10 respectively, and will be operated by regional subsidiary KLM Cityhopper.
Earlier this year during the Paris Airshow, KLM signed a letter of intent for 15 of the aircraft, with 20 purchase rights; however, the adjustment and confirmation of the agreement represents the confidence that Europe’s largest Embraer operator has in the refreshed E-Jet line.
“For KLM this aircraft is a significant part of our commitment to improving our environmental impact. Not only is the E195-E2 the most fuel efficient lowest emission aircraft in its class, it is also the quietest by a considerable margin – a huge benefit for both our communities and our passengers.”
KLM President & CEO Pieter Elbers
KLM Cityhopper signed a firm order for 21 E195-E2 aircraft, via operating lease from Aircastle and ICBC Aviation Leasing, plus 14 purchase rights. Deliveries will begin in 2021. #E195E2 #E2ProfitHunter #KLM pic.twitter.com/dezHWmMn2S
— John S. Slattery (@Johnslattery100) November 12, 2019
Starting in the first quarter of 2021, KLM will begin to receive their first E195-E2 jets configured with 132 seats. The complete cabin layout has yet to be disclosed by the airline.
At this time it is unclear as to what extent the aircraft will change Cityhopper’s fleet, whether its replacing ageing E190s and E170s or expanding the network.
Cityhopper operates a fleet of 17 Embraer E170s and 39 E190s, with an average age of eight years and a peek age of 11.
“KLM’s decision to add a further six aircraft to this order is a significant vote of confidence in our E2 programme. Delivering 30% lower emissions when compared to KLM’s current E190s, yet still providing a further 32 seats, the E195-E2 will simultaneously increase capacity for KLM at slot constrained Schiphol Airport, while also delivering huge reductions in emissions.”
John Slattery, President and CEO, Embraer Commercial Aviation
The E195-E2 is Embraer’s best selling model in the refreshed E2 lineup, with a total order backlog of 124 aircraft. Excluding leasing companies, KLM is the world’s second largest customer for the type behind launch customer Azul.
Are you looking forward to seeing KLM’s new E195-E2 fleet?