This article is based on an official press release from KLM.

KLM Cityhopper Increases Capacity on Embraer 195-E2 Fleet Through Galley Optimization

KLM Cityhopper (KLC) has officially commenced operations with its upgraded Embraer 195-E2 fleet, marking a strategic shift to increase capacity without compromising passenger legroom. On December 6, 2025, the first modified aircraft departed Amsterdam for Porto, Portugal, debuting a new configuration that adds four seats to the cabin.

According to the airline’s official announcement, the entire fleet of 22 Embraer 195-E2 aircraft will undergo this retrofit, increasing the seating capacity from 132 to 136. The project is scheduled for completion by June 2026. This initiative aligns with the carrier’s broader goals to maximize revenue per flight while simultaneously improving Sustainability metrics per passenger.

Optimizing Space Without Squeezing Passengers

A primary concern with cabin densification, often referred to in the industry as “up-gauging”, is the potential reduction of seat pitch (legroom). However, KLM Cityhopper has stated that the additional row of seats was made possible through the reconfiguration of service areas rather than the seating area itself.

The airline achieved the extra space by optimizing the galley (kitchen) layout. By reducing the physical footprint of the galley and refining stocking methods, KLC created enough room to install four additional seats. The aircraft continue to utilize Recaro BL3710 and SL3710 seats, maintaining the existing comfort standards associated with the E2 fleet.

“All 22 Embraer 195-E2s will be fitted with four additional seats in Economy Class. This enables KLM Cityhopper to carry more passengers and generate increased revenue.”

, KLM Corporate News

Weight Reduction and Efficiency

Beyond the addition of revenue-generating seats, the retrofit involves a significant overhaul of the onboard catering process. The new configuration is designed to be lighter, reducing the “dead weight” carried on each sector.

According to technical data released regarding the upgrade, the optimized catering process is projected to reduce the total catering weight across the fleet by approximately 5 million kilograms annually. This reduction in weight directly correlates to fuel efficiency. KLC estimates that these changes will save approximately 160,000 kilograms of jet fuel per year.

Sustainability Implications

The Embraer 195-E2 is already marketed as the most efficient aircraft in its class, offering a 63% reduction in noise and significantly lower fuel burn compared to the previous generation E190s. The densification of the cabin further enhances these environmental credentials on a per-passenger basis.

By spreading the fuel burn over 136 passengers instead of 132, and combining this with the weight savings from the galley, KLM reports that CO₂ emissions per passenger will decrease by 3%. This supports KLM’s “Fly Responsibly” campaign, which seeks to lower the environmental footprint of aviation through incremental operational improvements.

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The Economics of Marginal Gains

In the high-volume, low-margin world of regional aviation, the addition of four seats represents a massive potential revenue upside. While four seats may seem negligible on a single flight, the cumulative effect across a fleet of 22 aircraft operating multiple sectors daily is substantial. If an aircraft flies four sectors a day, that is 16 additional revenue opportunities per plane, per day.

We view this move as a prime example of “smart densification.” Unlike low-cost carriers that often reduce pitch to the regulatory minimum to add rows, KLM Cityhopper has leveraged the often-underutilized galley space. This allows the airline to maintain its premium positioning and passenger experience while reaping the economic benefits of a higher-density cabin. It also standardizes the fleet configuration, simplifying operations at their Amsterdam Schiphol hub.

Sources

• KLM Corporate News