KLM Cityhopper is reactivating its remaining four grounded Embraer E195-E2 aircraft as it navigates ongoing issues with Pratt & Whitney’s Geared Turbo Fan (GTF) engines, according to a report from Aviation Week Network on March 13, 2026.
The Dutch regional carrier, which operates as the backbone of KLM Royal Dutch Airlines’ short-haul network, currently maintains a fleet of 61 Embraer aircraft. The reactivation of the four E195-E2s comes as KLM Cityhopper assesses potential scenarios for future fleet size, balancing operational needs against the persistent challenges posed by the GTF engine problems.
According to Maarten Koopmans, managing director of KLM Cityhopper, the difficulties with the Pratt & Whitney GTF engines are expected to continue throughout 2026. The airline has already temporarily decommissioned some of its E195-E2 fleet to facilitate engine maintenance and ensure the airworthiness of the remaining aircraft, a strategy outlined in a report by Aviation.Direct from October 25, 2024.
KLM Cityhopper currently operates 18 E195-E2 jets and anticipates receiving seven more by 2025. A decision regarding the potential purchase of an additional 25 aircraft in the series is expected by the complete of 2024. Simultaneously, the airline plans a phased retirement of its older E190 fleet, removing five to six aircraft annually, with the process concluding by 2029.
The GTF engine issues are not unique to KLM Cityhopper. The problems affect multiple operators of the engines, including those flying Airbus A220 and A320neo family aircraft. Gertjan Lichtenveldt, Fleet Manager at KLM Cityhopper, noted that while some airlines have engine options for their A320neos, KLM and Transavia do not, relying solely on engines from General Electric. Other airlines, such as IndiGo, Spirit Airlines, and Wizz Air, also operate aircraft with the problematic GTF engines. The severity of the issue was highlighted by the bankruptcy of India’s Go First, which attributed its financial collapse to the poor performance of the engines on its A320 fleet.
Despite the widespread issues, KLM Cityhopper reports that engines currently being produced by Pratt & Whitney are performing as expected. However, the 18 of 22 E2s currently in service are still affected by the durability issues. The three additional E2s scheduled for delivery next year are not expected to have the same problems.
To manage the grounded aircraft, KLM Cityhopper has implemented a “cocoon mothballing system” at Twente Airport, meticulously preparing the planes for eventual return to service. As of November 2024, four E195-E2s were parked at Twente Airport, with the possibility of two or three more joining them, according to Jeroen van Eijk, a project manager at KLM Cityhopper.
