KLM regional subsidiary KLM Cityhopper took delivery of its first of 15 Embraer E195-E2 aircraft from US lessor Aircastle.
The aircraft was delivered to the Dutch carrier from American lessor Aircastle’s order book with Embraer.
The next E195-E2 is expected to be delivered by Aircastle before the end of April 2021.
According to Aircastle, the Embraer E195-E2 is both quieter and more economical than its predecessor, with a noise footprint that is 63 per cent smaller and a fuel-burn that is reduced by 9 per cent per flight, meaning that carbon emissions are 31 per cent lower per passenger.
Mike Inglese, Aircastle’s chief executive, commented, “Aircastle’s first E195-E2 delivery to KLM represents a significant milestone in a difficult period for the aviation industry.
“We are proud to be playing a meaningful role in KLM’s fleet renewal, facilitating a shift to more environmentally conscious operations and helping KLM meet their goal of reducing their carbon footprint by at least 50 per cent per passenger by 2030.
“We look forward to being a valued and trusted partner to KLM for many years to come as they promote their industry-leading sustainability initiatives. We will be delivering 14 additional E195-E2 to KLM through 2024.”
Warner Rootliep, managing director of KLM Cityhopper, said, “Our fleet renewal with the Embraer E195-E2 enables us to make a good contribution to making our operation more sustainable and also fits perfectly within our Fly Responsibly approach.
“The efficient, more sustainable and comfortable E2 will further strengthen our competitive position.”
Earlier this year, KLM Cityhopper welcomed its first E2 jets under another lease contract with lessor ICBC Aviation Leasing.
In total, the regional airline intends to welcome 35 new Embraer E2 jets into its fleet, with 25 firm orders, and 10 options.
Firm orders include 15 from ICBC Aviation Leasing and 15 from Aircastle.
KLM recently exercised four options increasing the firm order from 21 to 25 jets, with the further four aircraft coming from Aircastle’s existing order-book.
Additional reporting by Airlinerwatch.
