The regional subsidiary of KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, KLM Cityhopper, has taken delivery of the carrier’s first Embraer E195-E2.

The airline received the aircraft in a ceremony yesterday at Embraer’s facility in Brazil. This delivery brings the total number of Embraer jets in the KLM Cityhopper fleet to 50. According to Embraer, KLM’s total order for 35 jets, which includes 25 firm orders with options for 10 more, will be leased to KLM by ICBC Aviation Leasing and Aircastle.

KLM is taking action to make its operations more sustainable and Embraer’s E195-E2 is specifically designed to cut emissions and noise pollution. Embraer says its E195-E2 delivers a 31 per cent reduction in carbon emissions per seat when compared to KLM Cityhopper’s first-generation E190s. Its noise footprint is also over 60 per cent smaller and well below planned future ICAO limits.

“The new E2 is really going to make a difference,” said Warner Rootliep, managing director of KLM Cityhopper. “The addition of the E195-E2 to our fleet is a vital part of our plan to reduce our carbon footprint at least 50 per cent per pax/km by 2030. The 195-E2 is not only an economically attractive aircraft, it also fits perfectly within our sustainability initiative – ‘Fly Responsibly’. We are now more than ever committed to reducing the impact of our environmental and ecological footprint. Fleet renewal is currently the largest contributor to CO2 reduction.”

“This amazing aircraft dressed in the famous blue of KLM, delivers a new level of sustainability because of its low emissions and noise levels.” said Arjan Meijer, president and CEO of Embraer Commercial Aviation. “It’s the cleanest and quietest single aisle aircraft on the market today. KLM leads the airline industry in bold climate initiatives. KLM’s decision to choose the Embraer E2 is a powerful endorsement of the E2’s role in achieving those environmental goals.”