The regional airline operators KLM Cityhopper and SAS Group are considering closer cooperation once regulatory hurdles are cleared. This development follows the Air France-KLM Group's plan to increase its stake in Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) from 19.9% to 60.5%, which is expected to gain approval in the coming months.
Maarten Koopmans, managing director of KLM Cityhopper, noted that current collaborations with SAS Link are limited by market regulations but could expand thereafter. Both airlines are actively increasing their fleets of Embraer E195-E2 aircraft, with Cityhopper aiming for 25 E195-E2s by the end of the year, and SAS scheduled to receive 45 E2s from late 2027.
Potential areas for cooperation
Industry leaders see opportunities in maintenance, crew training, and capacity sharing. Mikael Wangdahl of SAS highlighted that, once the stake transaction is completed, formal talks could lead to partnerships that improve operational flexibility. Such cooperation may help manage fleet surpluses or shortages, optimizing resource allocation across both carriers.
This strategic move signals a potential shift in regional aviation, emphasizing collaboration in fleet management and operational efficiencies. The industry watches closely for regulatory outcomes and subsequent partnership developments, aiming to strengthen regional aviation networks in Europe.
