Category Archives: KLM Cityhopper

KLM to launch flights from Katowice Airport

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has announced the launch of a new, daily route to Poland, which will be available from October 30, 2022. Katowice is the sixth city in Poland – following Warsaw, Kraków, Wrocław, Gdańsk and Poznań – from which KLM will offer direct flights to the Netherlands. Residents of Silesia will gain access to the Dutch carrier’s global network with transfer at KLM’s hub in Amsterdam. With Katowice, the current KLM offer from Poland will comprise 68 flights weekly.

Katowice in the KLM network

From 30 October 2022, KLM will offer daily flights (7 flights weekly) on a new route: Amsterdam (Schiphol) – Katowice Airport – Amsterdam (Schiphol). The aircraft will take off from Katowice Wojciech Korfanty Airport (Pyrzowice) at 16:50, and land in Amsterdam-Schiphol at 18:50. Return flights to Poland are scheduled to take place at the following times: take off from Amsterdam at 14:20 and arrival at Katowice at 16:10.*

Flight No.	Route	Departure at	Arrival at
KL1815	Amsterdam – Katowice	14:20	16:10
KL1816	Katowice – Amsterdam	16:50	18:50

KLM flight from Katowice to Amsterdam

Passengers will travel from Katowice to Amsterdam on an advanced and fuel-saving Embraer E195-E2 aircraft, which, in comparison with previous models, emits 31% less CO2 per passenger, and is 63% quieter.**

Flights will be operated by KLM Cityhopper.

There are 112 seats in the Economy Class and 20 seats in the Business Class, and the flight takes a little less than two hours. The ticket price allows passengers to bring hand luggage on board (up to 12 kg); checked luggage may be subject to charges depending on the chosen travel fare. During the flight, the passengers will be greeted with a small treat included in the price of the ticket.

KLM Cityhopper aircraft photo gallery:

KLM Cityhopper takes delivery of their first Embraer E2

KLM Cityhopper, the regional subsidiary of KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, received their first Embraer E195-E2 in a ceremony today at Embraer’s facility in Brazil. This first E2 delivery to KLM, and lessor ICBC Aviation Leasing, brings the total number of Embraer jets in the KLM Cityhopper fleet to 50.

The total order for 35 jets, 25 firm orders with options for 10 more, will be leased to KLM from ICBC Aviation Leasing (10) and Aircastle (15). KLM recently exercised four options increasing the firm order from 21 to 25 jets, with the further four aircraft coming from Aircastle’s existing order-book.

KLM is a global leader in airline sustainability and taking action to make operations more sustainable. KLM’s fleet renewal is a key strategy to reduce the airline’s environmental footprint. The E195-E2, Embraer’s new generation aircraft, is specifically designed to cut emissions and noise pollution. The E2’s environmental credentials are impressive; the E195-E2 delivers a 31% reduction in carbon emissions per seat over KLM Cityhopper’s first-generation E190s.

Noise pollution is also dramatically reduced; the noise footprint is over 60% smaller – a critical measure at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport which has strict noise abatement rules. The E2’s low external noise level is already well below planned future ICAO limits. Carbon emissions are almost 10% lower per trip and 31% lower per seat. In a typical year, each E195-E2 will emit 1,500 fewer tons of carbon pollutants.

“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 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.”

The E195-E2 is the 50th E-Jet to join the KLM Cityhopper fleet of 17 first-generation E175s and 32 E190s. The new E195-E2 is configured with 132 seats – 20 in Business Class, eight in Economy Comfort, and 104 in Economy Class.

KLM Cityhopper introduces Virtual Reality training for pilots

Starting on November 5, 2020, KLM Cityhopper will be introducing Virtual Reality (VR) training for pilots flying Embraer 175 and 190 aircraft. Developed in-house, the VR training courses will allow pilots to make more effective use of their training time and will also yield cost savings. KLM Cityhopper is the first airline to integrate VR into its pilot training for Embraer aircraft.

KLM subsidiary KLM Cityhopper has a fleet of Embraers serving European destinations. It decided to investigate the capabilities of VR in an effort to respond more flexibly to pilots’ differing training needs.

“Virtual Reality (VR) makes training more accessible. It is on-demand and site-independent – pilots don’t have to be in a classroom or a simulator at a certain time. What’s more, it invites them to explore, something they can do safely in a virtual environment,” says Sebastian Gerkens, Senior Instructor Embraer at KLM Cityhopper. “VR allows pilots to familiarise themselves with the cockpit in advance, so that they make more effective use of their simulator time.”

The new training approach will also generate cost savings, among other things because it cuts down on the number of external suppliers and makes pilot scheduling more flexible.

Three applications

The VR training courses for the Embraer 175 and 190 were developed by KLM’s own VR experts in cooperation with KLM Cityhopper. Training consists of three applications, all part of the Type Rating Course in which pilots learn the specific characteristics of the aircraft type they are going to fly.

Virtual cockpit – the pilot is inside the cockpit, i.e. an interactive, computer-generated image of the control panels.
Instruction video – the pilot watches a 360-degree POV video of a flight from the cockpit jump seat.
Virtual walkaround – the pilot walks through and around the aircraft, composed of 360-degree static photographs.

“These are also the three different ways to capture content used to create VR applications,” explains Werner Soeteman, manager of the VR Centre Of Excellence at KLM IT. “The interactive virtual cockpit was created on computers entirely by our team of VR developers and 3D designers. To produce the 360-degree video and photographs, one of our VR engineers sat in the cockpit operating an advanced 360-degree camera during a flight, in close cooperation with the KLM Cityhopper pilots. Our developers haven’t the faintest idea how an Embraer works, although they’ve certainly learned a lot.”

EASA certification

KLM has been long been interested in using VR in staff training. For example, it already has VR training courses for maintenance engineers and KLM Cityhopper cabin crew. Now the Embraer 175 and 190 pilots are joining this select company.

The VR courses complement KLM’s existing training programme. KLM Cityhopper is exploring whether it can obtain EASA certification for these courses, which would then eventually replace some of the standard training components, such as classroom instruction, the cockpit poster and textbooks. The safety and quality of training is and naturally always will be top priority.

KLM Cityhopper aircraft photo gallery:

KLM adds Cork (Ireland) to its European network

KLM expands its European network with Cork (Ireland). As of 3 August, the second largest city of Ireland will be connected to Schiphol every day by KLM. Flights will be operated with the Embraer 175, with a capacity of 88 passengers.

KLM is in the process of slowly and carefully rebuilding its network. The number of destinations is growing rapidly, but the number of flights is still far from the pre-crisis level. KLM has opted to first offer customers as much choice of destinations as possible. After that, we will examine whether the number of flights to a destination can be increased or whether capacity can be increased by using a larger aircraft.

The opening of Cork was initially planned for the end of March. Due to the corona crisis it was postponed.

Flight schedule

Cork is the second destination in Ireland for KLM, next to Dublin. As of 3 August 2020, KLM will operate daily flights between Amsterdam Airport Schiphol and Cork Airport. The Embraer 175 has 20 seats in Business Class, 8 in Economy Comfort and 60 in Economy Class.

The flight schedule is as follows:

– KL1085 departs from Amsterdam daily at 12.05 and arrives in Cork at 12.55.

– KL 1086 departs from Cork daily at 13.25 and arrives in Amsterdam at 16.10.

All times are local.

KLM starts gradual and careful restoration of its European network and makes face masks compulsory on board

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has made this announcement:

From May 4, 2020, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines will gradually begin restoring its European network. The airline will resume daily service to seven extra destinations, which were suspended in compliance with COVID-19-related travel restrictions. The wearing of face masks will be compulsory on all flights across the whole KLM network from May 11, 2020.

The strongly reduced European network is configured to connect with as many flights as possible in the intercontinental network. Routes will gradually be reopened, but may change weekly, depending on measures being taken by the authorities at the destinations.

KLM’s target for May is the resumption of 15% of its flights, compared to the period before the COVID-19 outbreak. A considerable number of the intercontinental flights are currently being operated on a cargo-only basis

Effective May 4, 2020, KLM will resume service – one daily flight, seven days a week – to the following destinations:

Barcelona

Madrid

Rome

Milan

Budapest

Prague

Warsaw

Helsinki

The flights will be operated with Embraer aircraft.

Compulsory face masks on board

Since the COVID-19 outbreak began, KLM has introduced many measures around screening and hygiene to protect customers and KLM staff, on board and at airports. KLM’s policy is based on national (RIVM) and international (WHO, IATA) guidelines, and complies with international law and regulations. In situations where social distancing cannot be guaranteed, the wearing of face masks will be recommended or made compulsory. Some destinations already require face masks to be worn on board flights.

Starting May 11, 2020, and simultaneous with the restoration of the KLM network, masks will be compulsory on board and during boarding. Passengers are responsible for providing their own face masks.

In view of the changing nature of regulations and legislation, until further notice, face masks will remain compulsory until August 31, 2020.

KLM adds Cork, Ireland to its European network

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines will expand its European network to include Cork, Ireland.

From March 2020, Ireland’s second largest city will be served daily with a direct KLM flight from Amsterdam. The flights will be operated using Embraer 175 and Embraer 190 equipment, seating 88-100 passengers per flight.

Cork will be the second Irish destination, next to Dublin, and is the 93rd European destination to be served directly by KLM. To open Cork as a new destination, changes have been made to the medium haul KLM network to free up slots at Schiphol.

Daily flights with an Embraer 175 or 190

KLM will operate flights between Amsterdam Airport Schiphol and Cork Airport daily from 30 March 2020. The Embraer 175 flights offers 20 seats in Business Class, 8 Economy Comfort and 60 Economy Class. The Embraer 190 flights offers 20 seats in Business Class, 8 Economy Comfort and 72 Economy Class.

The flight schedule will be as follows:

KL1087 will depart from Amsterdam daily at 15.50 and arrive in Cork at 16.40.

KL1088 will depart from Cork daily at 17.10 and arrive in Amsterdam at 20.00.

Please note: all times are local.

Cork

Located on an island between two canals of the River Lee, Cork is a charming cosmopolitan city known for its maritime history spanning over a thousand years. The beautiful coastal environment is a must for nature lovers and adventurers, whereas city dwellers will enjoy the laidback feel of Cork, with its many cool coffee bars, museums, pubs and art galleries.

From the KLM Blog:

Take a peek inside the entire KLM fleet – without a ticket

As of late, you can take a virtual stroll through business class on a Boeing 787 without having to pay… How? We’ve taken photographs of the interiors of the entire KLM fleet using a 360° camera. VR specialist Chris Koomen, from KLM’s Digital Studio shares more about this exciting initiative.

A successful experiment

“Our reason for taking 360° photos of the KLM aircraft – from Boeings to Airbuses – was actually very practical. We wanted to familiarise cleaners with an aircraft – the B787 – before its first flight to Minneapolis. They were set to come in the evening to clean the aircraft after its arrival, but had not yet seen this type from the inside. We knew that it would take a lot of extra time,” explains the VR man from KLM’s Digital Studio. “And we therefore came up with a solution. The members of the cleaning crew had an opportunity during the day of taking a virtual tour on an iPad, using a VR headset so they would be well prepared when arriving to clean the aircraft in the evening.”

“It was an experiment, but one that instantly booked success. Incredible! They finished cleaning fifteen minutes early and on top of that, they didn’t make a single mistake.” Cleaning crews are normally given a sheet of paper with a 2D drawing. Koomen: “Top and front views – that’s what they had to make do with. They’re going to be better prepared now.”

Cabin attendants and galleys

“The images are now regularly used for training purposes worldwide. And not only to the benefit of cleaning crews; the images are very handy for training new cabin attendants,” says Koomen. “New crew members can now become familiar with their workplace far quicker.”

The biggest group of users can be found at Catering Services. Koomen: “They use the images to train colleagues who set up the aircraft galleys.”

Find the Easter egg

In short, the virtual fleet is handy for all our (new) staff members. But let’s not overlook our passengers and aircraft enthusiasts. It’s fantastic to be able to explore the interior of each aircraft from nose to tail, examining places on board where passengers don’t usually get to go. Examples here include the cockpit, galleys and business class. Or simply stroll through the B747, the Queen of the Skies. Or our latest acquisition, the Dreamliner B787-10. All of that, without taking a step on board.

Should you want to take a look inside our aircraft, we’ve hidden Easter eggs in some of them (something amusing for you to look for). See if you can find the meal in the B787-10, or take a virtual seat in our new business class seats inside the B787-10. You’ll be able to get to grips with all the new features like the adjustable privacy screen or the “Do not Disturb” button for even more privacy and individual space. And can you see that the B747 consists of two different parts. “It’s actually a combi carrier,” Koomen clarifies. “One part is entirely for passengers, while the other is for a 50:50 combination of cargo and passengers.”

Curious about the entire KLM fleet? Take a look inside ALL our aircraft:

Boeing 787-10
Boeing 787-9
Boeing 777-300
Boeing 777-200
Boeing 747-400
Boeing 747 combi
Boeing 737-900
Boeing 737-800
Boeing 737-800 BSI
Boeing 737-700
Airbus 330-300
Airbus 330-200
Embraer 190
Embraer 175

Profile: Chris Koomen (39)

Chris Koomen joined KLM twelve years ago. He started off as a technician, but has been preoccupied with VR since 1996. He refers to it as a “runaway hobby” he turned into a business three years ago. The VR team now consists of eight people who focus continually on designing and creating VR training programs, computer generated and 360° photos & videos alike.

Top Copyright Photo: KLM Cityhopper Embraer ERJ 170-200STD (ERJ 175) PH-EXR (msn 17000697) (100 Years) AMS (Ton Jochems). Image: 948382.

KLM Cityhopper aircraft slide show:

KLM Cityhopper firms up order for Embraer E195-E2 jets and adds six further aircraft

Embraer and KLM Cityhopper have signed a firm order for 21 E195-E2 aircraft, plus 14 purchase rights. The 21 firm positions will be acquired via operating lease from Embraer lessor partners Aircastle and ICBC Aviation Leasing. The order was previously announced as a Letter of Intent for 15 firm orders with 20 purchase rights at the Paris Air Show earlier this year. With all purchase rights exercised the deal would have a value of $ 2.48 billion.

The aircraft for this order will come from the existing backlogs of lessors Aircastle and ICBC Aviation Leasing; each providing KLM with 11 and 10 E195-E2s, respectively.

KLM will configure the aircraft with 132 seats. Deliveries will begin in the first quarter of 2021.

Embraer announces KLM intention for up to 35 E195-E2 Jets

Embraer announced today, at the 53^rd International Paris Air Show, KLM Cityhopper’s intention to purchase up to 35 E195-E2 jets, 15 firm orders with purchase rights for a further 20 aircraft of the same model.

Photo: KLM.

This intention, which still requires a Purchase Agreement, has a value of $2.48 billion based on Embraer’s current list prices. The order will be added to Embraer’s backlog as soon as a firm contract is completed.

First KLM flight operates to and from Wrocław, Poland

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines operated its first flight to the Polish city of Wrocław on Monday, May 6, 2019. Wrocław is the fourth destination to be served by KLM in Poland. The flights will be operated daily using Embraer 175 equipment.

Wrocław lies in western Poland on the banks of the River Oder. Wrocław has a population of more than 600,000, making it the fourth-largest city in Poland. Wrocław is a lively university city with a flourishing business community. The market square is a real eye-catcher, boasting pastel-coloured buildings and lined with cosy cafés and eateries.

Shower of affection with ambassador

Launching the new route was fittingly celebrated with a shower of affection at Wrocław airport. The Dutch Ambassador to Poland, Ron van Dartel, and the CEO of Copernicus Airport Wrocław, Dariusz Kuś, attended the festive ceremony.

KLM will be operating its daily flight from Schiphol to Wrocław using Embraer 175 equipment. This aircraft seats 20 passengers in Europe Business Class, 8 in Economy Comfort and 60 in Economy Class.

Flight KL1271 will depart from Amsterdam Schiphol at 11:50 hours and touch down at Copernicus Airport Wrocław at 13:35 hours.

Flight KL1272 will depart at 14:05 hours from Wrocław and arrive at Schiphol at 15:55 hours.

KLM already offers flights to the Polish cities of Warsaw, Krakow and Gdansk. Since last summer, Air France has been operating flights to Wrocław from Paris Charles de Gaulle.

All photos by KLM.

Stobart Air to operate an Embraer 195 for KLM Cityhopper

Stobart Air, partner to leading airlines including Aer Lingus, Flybe and British Airways CityFlyer has secured a new partnership with KLM Cityhopper.

The agreement between the two airlines will see Stobart Air provide an E195 jet on an ACMI contract (aircraft, crew, maintenance and insurance) for the purpose of operating up to eight flights per day from Amsterdam, including Dublin to Amsterdam.

The partnership with one of the world’s oldest and most established airlines, follows Stobart Air’s recent €36 million investment in two Embraer E190 jet aircraft to service routes for BA Cityflyer from London City Airport, and the addition of 40 new jobs.

Headquartered in Dublin, Stobart Air employs over 570 people.

In 2018, Stobart Air’s overall passenger figures increased by 12% on the previous year, with the airline carrying 2,224,037 passengers on over 43,500 flights throughout the year.

The airline reported a significant increase on its Flybe routes from London Southend Airport, with passenger numbers doubling last year to 500,000.