Aircraft

Air France-KLM has ordered up to 38 Embraer regional jets for the joint airline group’s Cityhopper and Regional operations.

The order includes 20 firm Embraer 170/175 and 190/195 aircraft plus options for a further 18.

KLM Cityhopper’s firm share comprises 10 Embraer 190s while Air France’s Regional division will take six Embraer 170s and four 190s. The two carriers will each hold nine options.

Cityhopper will use the 100-seat Embraer 190s to replace its 15 oldest Fokker 100 aircraft but will also take five Fokker 70s from Regional as part of the renewal programme. The Fokker 100s will be phased out between 2008 and 2010.

“Collective acquisition from Embraer by these regional subsidiaries of the Air France-KLM Group offers synergy benefits in terms of the purchasing of aircraft, engines and components and presents future advantages in terms of handling, maintenance and training,” states Air France-KLM.

Air France Regional placed an order for six Embraer 190s in 2005 and, after taking delivery of the first last year, has three of the type in its fleet.

Delivery of the new Embraer aircraft to Regional will take place between 2008 and 2011. Its Embraer 170s will be configured with 75 seats.