KLM Cityhopper Upgrades All Embraer 195-E2 Aircraft

KLM Cityhopper is upgrading its entire fleet of 22 Embraer 195-E2 aircraft, adding four extra seats in Economy Class to increase capacity from 132 to 136 passengers. The program began with the first upgraded aircraft flying from Amsterdam to Porto on December 6, 2025, and will be completed by June 2026.

Key Details of the Upgrade
- Fleet Size: 22 Embraer 195-E2 aircraft operated by KLM Cityhopper.
- Capacity Increase: From 132 to 136 seats in Economy Class.
- First Flight: December 6, 2025, Amsterdam (AMS) → Porto (OPO).
- Completion Timeline: All aircraft upgraded by June 2026, with one aircraft converted every five working days.
- Method: Reduction in galley size and optimized stocking, lowering catering weight while freeing cabin space.

Environmental & Operational Benefits
- CO₂ Reduction: Emissions per passenger will decrease by 3% compared to the previous layout.
- Efficiency Gains: Lower catering weight improves fuel efficiency.
- Revenue Impact: More seats mean higher passenger capacity and increased revenue potential.

Wider Context
- Even aircraft currently parked in Twente Airport will be upgraded before returning to service.
- This densification aligns with KLM’s broader fleet renewal and sustainability goals, balancing passenger demand with environmental responsibility.

Why It Matters
- Passengers: Slightly higher availability of seats on popular European routes.
- Airline: Improved economics per flight, supporting profitability in a competitive regional market.
- Sustainability: Demonstrates KLM’s commitment to reducing emissions while expanding capacity.