Air France/KLM Group plans to acquire 17 E-Jets with an option for 17 additional E-Jets for KLM Cityhopper or Air France regional subsidiary HOP!
The transaction is valued at $1.5 billion if all options are exercised.
Both the E190s and the E175s will be configured in single-class layouts. They will join the 28 E190s already flying with KLM Cityhopper to replace the remaining 19 Fokker F70s the carrier is phasing out.
“KLM Cityhopper’s decision to acquire more E-Jets is a tremendous endorsement and confirmation that the E-Jets are the most efficient, comfortable and the lowest operating cost aircraft in the segment from 80 to 110 passengers,” said Paulo Silva, Embraer Commercial Aviation President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
Delivery of the first E190 is scheduled for this year. The first E175 will join KLM Cityhopper’s fleet in the first semester of 2016.
Air France/KLM started the process of replacing Fokker 100 with E-Jets in Regional/Air France and KLM Cityhopper in 2008 to enhance existing network and permit the development of new routes.
When the last aircraft from this order is delivered, Air France/KLM will have 71 E-Jets, the largest E-Jet fleet in Europe.
“Purchasing these 17 Embraers and taking out an option to order an additional 17 in the future represents a giant stride for KLM in terms of fleet renewal. KLM continues to invest in its fleet and product in order to offer passengers the best, as well as reaffirming KLM and KLM Cityhopper’s commitment to our customers,” said Pieter Elbers, KLM President and CEO.
KLM Cityhopper Managing Director, Boet Kreiken, added: “This strategic decision ties in with KLM Cityhopper’s policy of ongoing innovation. The new fleet will contribute even more towards optimal operations, serving the seven million passengers who fly with KLM Cityhopper each year.”
KLM Cityhopper was recently awarded the Regional Airline of the Year 2015 by Air Transport News magazine.
The E175s feature a new wingtip that, among other technical enhancements, improves aerodynamic performance. Fuel consumption on a typical flight is 6.4 per cent lower than the original E175.
The reduction makes the operating economics of today’s E175s comparable to large-capacity turboprops and presents new opportunities for the E175.
Since entering revenue service in 2004, Embraer has received more than 1,560 orders for its family of E-Jets. The aircraft have been added to the fleets of 65 customers in 45 countries.
More than 1,100 E-Jets have been delivered. The versatile 70 to 130-seat family is flying with low-cost airlines and with regional and mainline carriers.