Airbus and Embraer are reportedly battling to win an order from KLM Cityhopper for 25 regional jets with both the A220 and E2 family aircraft in contention.
According to Valor International, KLM Cityhopper’s Managing Director Maarten Koopmans said during an interview that negotiations are ongoing with a decision likely to be finalized before the end of the year.
KLM Cityhopper currently operates an all-Embraer fleet of 61 aircraft, although six are currently parked, according to Planespotters.net.
The active fleet is comprised of 20 E195-E2s, 19 E190s and 17 E170s. KLM Cityhopper is looking to replace the older generation of Embraer jets.
In October 2025, KLM Cityhopper welcomed its 25th Embraer E195-E2 at Schiphol Airport (AMS). All 25 have been leased as part of previous agreements.
According to Koopmans, KLM Cityhopper has an option to order an additional 25 E195-E2s, but time is being taken to weight options before committing to new aircraft.
In December 2025, KLM Cityhopper began upgrading its fleet of E195-E2s with four additional economy seats. The upgrade is made possible by reducing the size of the galley and optimizing the way it is stocked.
Koopmans told Valor International that the airline is particularly looking at replacing the E190, which operates with 100 passenger seats.
The closest Airbus comparison would be the A220-100 with typically between 100 and 120 seats and Embraer’s E190-E2 which can seat up to 114 passengers depending on the configuration.
“We are in the process of reviewing our options. The work needs to be completed this year,” explained Koopmans.
Last year both Airbus and Embraer were targeting a regional fleet order from LOT Polish Airlines.
LOT eventually announced at Paris Air Show 2025 it had selected Airbus with an order for up to 84 A220s.
Airbus beat off strong competition from Embraer to secure the firm order for 20 A220-100s and 20 A220-300s, with the option to purchase 44 more planes in the future.
