KLM Cityhopper Fleet and Guide

Summary

KLM Cityhopper is the Dutch regional airline partner that has played a pivotal role in connecting cities across Europe since its inception. Founded in 1991, it is a subsidiary of the renowned Dutch carrier, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, and is headquartered at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol.

KLM Cityhopper’s History

Photo (c) Rob Hodgkins

The airline’s history can be traced back to the merger of two regional carriers, NLM CityHopper and Netherlines. These airlines, which primarily operated within the Netherlands and neighbouring countries, came together to form KLM Cityhopper in 1991. This merger allowed for greater efficiency and enhanced regional connectivity, consolidating KLM’s presence in the European market.

At the time of the merger, NLM CityHopper had a fleet of Fokker F27, F28 and Saab 340 aircraft. Netherlines had Jetstream 31 and Saab 340 aircraft.

Early KLM Cityhopper Fleet

KLM Cityhopper Fokker 70

KLM Cityhopper was quick to upgrade its fleet, focusing on homegrown Fokker aircraft. It retained the Saab 340s from the merger until 1998, but took on a new fleet of Fokker 50, 70 and 100 aircraft.

These types made up the fleet of the airline until the final Fokker 70 was retired in October 2017. The Fokker 50s left in 2010 and the Fokker 100s in 2012.

KLM Cityhopper Fleet Today

Meanwhile, the airline had started introducing new Embraer E-Jet aircraft from 2009, with 32 EMB-190s eventually joining.

These were supplemented by smaller EMB-175s from 2016, and modern E195-E2s from February 2021.

KLM Cityhopper’s fleet is known for its fuel efficiency, passenger comfort, and versatility on short-haul routes. Over the years, the airline has expanded its route network to cover numerous destinations in Europe, making it a vital part of KLM’s regional and international operations.

In recent years, KLM Cityhopper has also taken steps to reduce its environmental impact by exploring more sustainable aviation practices and technologies.