KLM Cityhopper Unveils Enhanced Embraer E195-E2 with New Cabin Design

KLM Cityhopper Expands Fleet Capacity with Upgraded Embraer E195-E2 Aircraft

KLM Cityhopper, the regional arm of Dutch airline KLM, is set to enhance its fleet by upgrading its Embraer E195-E2 aircraft. As part of this modernization effort, the airline has increased the number of seats in the economy cabin from 132 to 136. This improvement allows for greater passenger capacity without compromising comfort or onboard services.

One of the 22 E195-E2s has already been retrofitted and is now in service. On December 6, 2025, the first modified aircraft made its inaugural flight from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) to Porto, Portugal. This marks a significant milestone in KLM Cityhopper’s plan to upgrade all of its E195-E2 aircraft by June 2026, ensuring that the fleet is ready for the busy summer travel season.

Upgrades Focus on Efficiency and Comfort

Currently, KLM’s E195-E2 fleet is configured to carry 132 passengers in a single-class layout, with a seat pitch of 31 inches. The new configuration increases capacity to 136 passengers while maintaining the same seat pitch. This means that passengers will not experience reduced legroom or discomfort due to the added seats.

The additional seating was achieved through a redesign of the galley and catering storage systems. By downsizing these areas, KLM Cityhopper has managed to add four more seats without sacrificing onboard services. The airline emphasized that the quality of catering and passenger comfort will remain unchanged.

These modifications also bring environmental benefits. The reduced weight of catering supplies is expected to lead to an annual reduction of five million kilograms in catering weight across the fleet. This efficiency measure could save up to 160,000 kilograms of jet fuel per year and reduce carbon emissions per passenger by approximately 3%.

Overview of the Embraer E195-E2

The Embraer E195-E2 entered commercial service in mid-2019 with Azul Brazilian Airlines, following its certification in April 2019. It was the second aircraft in the E-Jet E2 family, after the E190-E2, which began service in April 2018. The E195-E2 is the largest aircraft in the E2 family and is known for its efficiency and performance.

With a range of up to 3,000 nautical miles (5,556 kilometers) and a maximum cruise speed of Mach 0.82, the E195-E2 is well-suited for regional routes. Its design emphasizes fuel efficiency and cost-effectiveness, making it an attractive option for airlines seeking to serve high-frequency routes or expand into new markets.

The aircraft features a 2-2 seating layout, which provides a balanced mix of comfort and capacity. It is particularly effective for routes where larger jets would be underutilized or too costly to operate.

Global Operators of the Embraer E195-E2

As of now, 132 Embraer E195-E2 aircraft are in active operation across 11 airlines. In addition to commercial carriers, the aircraft is also used by the Mexican Air Force and Embraer itself, which employs some units as testbeds and display models.

Some of the major operators of the E195-E2 include:

• Azul Linhas Aereas: Operates 39 E195-E2s.
• Porter Airlines Canada: Has the largest fleet with 43 aircraft in service.
• KLM Cityhopper: Will convert all 22 of its E195-E2s by 2026.
• LOT Polish Airlines
• Luxair
• Royal Jordanian
• TUI fly Belgium

Other operators include Air Peace, Binter Canarias, Helvetic Airways, Hunnu Air, and Porter Airlines Canada.

In terms of future orders, the E195-E2 has a total of 271 units on order from 11 airlines. Some of these orders are still unassigned but are considered firm commitments.

Conclusion

KLM Cityhopper's decision to upgrade its E195-E2 fleet reflects a strategic move to increase capacity while maintaining efficiency and passenger comfort. The changes are expected to have a positive impact on both operational costs and environmental sustainability. As more airlines adopt the E195-E2, its role in shaping the future of regional aviation continues to grow.