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KLM Cityhopper managing director Maarten Koopmans and SAS Group VP for airline operations and external production Mikael Wangdahl.
BELFAST, Northern Ireland—Once Air France-KLM Group secures regulatory approval to take a majority stake in Scandinavian Airlines (SAS), it could open the path for deeper cooperation between Embraer E-Jet operators KLM Cityhopper and SAS Link.
Air France-KLM is planning to raise its SAS stake from 19.9% to 60.5%, and regulatory approval is anticipated over the coming months. There is already a degree of normal commercial cooperation between SAS Link and KLM Cityhopper, but until regulatory clearance is secured, the relationship must remain at arm’s length.
“We are not in that phase yet, so we need to keep our businesses completely separate, but as soon as we take the next step, I guess there will be synergies to explore,” KLM Cityhopper managing director Maarten Koopmans told ATW on the sidelines of the European Regions Airline Association (ERAA) general assembly in Belfast.
Cityhopper’s fleet comprises 17 E175-E1s, 17 E190-E1s and 25 E195-E2s, while the SAS Link fleet comprises around 14 E195-E1s. SAS also wet leases in capacity from CityJet (CRJs), BRA (ATRs), Jettime (narrowbodies) and Danish Air Transport (ATRs and narrowbodies).
Notably both Cityhopper and SAS are increasing their Embraer E195-E2 fleets. Cityhopper already has 25 E195-E2s and is aiming to make a decision on 25 options by year-end. Meanwhile, SAS will start receiving its order for 45 E2s in late 2027.
“There is definitely opportunities there in the future,” Koopmans said, suggesting maintenance and crew training as areas to explore.
SAS Group VP for airline operations and external production Mikael Wangdahl agreed that maintenance and spare parts could be an area for partnership. He also sees potential to support one another during fleet surpluses or shortages, by sharing back-up capacity. Cityhopper already uses Air France-KLM sister carrier HOP! as a capacity provider.
“Once the transaction is completed, then of course obviously we are allowed to talk,” Wangdahl said. “I would say the end of the year, or mid-next year.”
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