Amstelveen,
24
July
2013
|
13:09
Europe/Amsterdam

KLM Cityhopper Signs Deal for Six New Embraer 190 Aircraft

Summary

KLM Cityhopper signed an operating lease agreement with BOC Aviation to lease six new Embraer 190 aircraft which BOC Aviation purchased from the Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer. KLM Cityhopper plans to add them to its fleet between November 2013 and April 2014. The order is part of the KLM Group’s ongoing programme to replace KLM Cityhopper’s fleet of Fokker 70 aircraft.

Amstelveen, 24 July 2013 - KLM Cityhopper signed an operating lease agreement with BOC Aviation to lease six new Embraer 190 aircraft which BOC Aviation purchased from the Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer. KLM Cityhopper plans to add them to its fleet between November 2013 and April 2014. The order is part of the KLM Group’s ongoing programme to replace KLM Cityhopper’s fleet of Fokker 70 aircraft.

KLM Cityhopper, a 100% subsidiary of KLM, is the largest regional carrier in Europe. It performs about 100,000 flights each year with its fleet of Embraer 190 and Fokker 70 aircraft from Schiphol to forty-nine destinations in Europe. By replacing seven Fokkers with six new Embraers, the KLM Cityhopper fleet now consists of twenty-eight Embraer 190s and nineteen Fokker 70 aircraft. It gives KLM Cityhopper the largest fleet of Embraer 190s in Europe.

The Embraer 190 is more fuel-efficient, has lower carbon emissions, and the absence of the middle seat offers greater passenger comfort and more room for carry-on baggage. Moreover, the Embraer flies faster and offers greater capacity than the Fokker 70 in the markets in which KLM Cityhopper operates. The Embraer 190 offers seating for 100 passengers while the Fokker 70 seats 80. The influx of new Embraers will run concurrent with the phase-out of the Fokkers. Nevertheless, KLM will continue to invest in Fokker 70 aircraft and continue to fly them in its network for some years ahead

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

“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.”

“We are delighted to work with KLM, by helping its subsidiary KLM Cityhopper to support its modernization plan with the E190, a versatile and excellent aircraft,” said Robert Martin, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of BOC Aviation.

By investing in the new aircraft, KLM continues to strengthen its competitive position, both inside Europe and in the international market making use of European connections. It will also allow KLM to increase its capacity to a number of specific destinations.

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About KLM
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines was founded in 1919, making it the world’s oldest airline still operating under its original name. In 2004, Air France and KLM merged to form AIR FRANCE KLM. The merger produced the strongest European airline group based on two powerful brands and hubs – Amsterdam Airport Schiphol and Paris Charles de Gaulle. Retaining its own identity, the group focuses on three core businesses: passenger transport, cargo and aircraft maintenance.

In the Netherlands, KLM comprises the core of the KLM Group, which further includes KLM Cityhopper, transavia.com and Martinair. KLM serves all its destinations using a modern fleet and employs over 33,000 people around the world. KLM is a leader in the airline industry, offering reliable operations and customer-oriented products resulting from its policy of enthusiasm and sustainable innovation.

KLM is a member of the global SkyTeam airline alliance, offering customers an extensive worldwide network. The KLM network connects the Netherlands to every important economic region in the world and, as such, serves as a powerful driver for the economy.

About SkyTeam
SkyTeam is a global airline alliance providing customers from member airlines access to an extensive worldwide network offering more destinations, more frequencies and more connectivity. Passengers can earn and redeem Frequent Flyer Miles throughout the SkyTeam network. SkyTeam member airlines offer customers access to over 490 lounges worldwide.

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