KLM Cityhopper is returning its remaining grounded Embraer E195-E2 aircraft to service, signaling an improvement in the long-running Pratt & Whitney geared turbofan (GTF) engine issues that had disrupted operations in recent years.
Speaking to Aviation Week, managing director Maarten Koopmans said the airline expects all four previously parked E195-E2s to be back in operation during 2026. The aircraft had been sidelined due to engine availability constraints, a problem that affected multiple operators of the PW1900G-powered jet.
The carrier has benefited from improved overhaul capacity and a better supply of spare engines, allowing it to progressively reactivate aircraft. One of the jets, parked for nearly two years, has already returned to flying after receiving replacement engines and undergoing maintenance checks.
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KLM Cityhopper is one of the largest Embraer E-Jet operators globally, with a fleet of 65 aircraft comprising 25 E195-E2s, 17 E175s and 23 E190s. The airline plays a central role in feeding long-haul traffic into Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, operating high-frequency European routes under capacity constraints at the hub.
As part of its fleet strategy, the airline plans to gradually retire the E190 over the next four to five years, with the type likely to be replaced by additional E195-E2 aircraft. The newer jet is also being modified with an extra row of seats, increasing capacity to 136 passengers and improving efficiency per slot.
Koopmans indicated that the airline is evaluating different long-term scenarios, including both moderate growth and potential downsizing, depending on how capacity is allocated between regional and mainline operations within KLM. Slot limitations at Schiphol continue to favor larger aircraft, reinforcing the shift toward higher-capacity regional jets.
While additional E195-E2 deliveries are expected from 2027 onward, the immediate priority remains stabilizing the current fleet. The resolution of engine-related disruptions marks a turning point for KLM Cityhopper after several years of operational pressure tied to the GTF program.
