The regional subsidiary Cityhopper: Embraer E2 from KLM also had an odor problem

At the beginning of the year, more than half of KLM Cityhoper’s Embraer E195-E2 aircraft were on the ground. By May, the situation had not improved significantly and the regional airline was forced to adjust its summer flight schedule. Not all aircraft were put back into use until mid-August.

The failures have always been caused by known problems with Pratt & Whitney engines, which cause problems for airlines around the world. Like a portal Erensite It has now been reported that this was not the only reason. Arjan Meyer, head of civil aircraft at Embraer, had told the portal in May: “We see a problem in the KLM fleet that we do not see with other E2 fleets.” He did not give any details.

“The crew did not feel good.”

In June, two sources told Airinsight that the smell was unusual. “It’s a non-specific smell, not really oily,” one informant said. “It’s not certain it came from the engines, although that’s likely. It could have been anything and it might have come from the kitchen.”

At the Air France-KLM Investor Day on December 14, the group’s management confirmed the existence of such a problem. “We had an odor issue,” said fleet strategy manager Angus Clarke. CEO Ben Smith explained: “There was a special smell. Our crew did not feel comfortable with this.” However, the difficulties were overcome. “The problem in the cabin was solved using filters.”

“adequate compensation”

According to Pratt & Whitney, KLM Cityhopper has been experiencing general problems with the E195-E2 aircraft’s engines due to a shortage of spare parts due to bottlenecks with suppliers. Angus Clarke also said the manufacturer did not have enough spare engines. However, you will receive “adequate compensation.” KLM Chairman Marjan Rintel was hopeful the latest issues would be resolved this week and next.