London City Airport just got a little bigger without a single expansion project in sight. The reason? The sleek, whisper-quiet, next-gen Embraer E195-E2 is now certified to operate at LCY, officially becoming the largest aircraft ever approved for regular commercial service at the airport. It’s the aviation equivalent of squeezing a Bentley into a Morris Minor garage.
In This Post
Why LCY Is One of Europe’s Trickiest Airports
Nestled between Canary Wharf and the Royal Docks, London City has always been an airport that rewards precision over power. It demands a 5.5° approach angle (compared to the standard 3°), a short runway just 1,508 metres long, and a pilot with more certifications than your average surgeon. Only a handful of aircraft make the cut.
Until now, the Embraer 190 was the workhorse of choice. But that’s changing.
A New Era: E195-E2 Touches Down
On March 26, 2025, at 12:01pm local time, Helvetic Airways made history by landing the first-ever scheduled Embraer E195-E2 flight at LCY. The aircraft, registered HB-AZI, carried 134 passengers in a single-class layout. After a brief celebration, it turned around as LX456 and departed for Zurich, landing there an hour and ten minutes later.
This isn’t just another aircraft getting its wings in London City. The E195-E2 is a symbol of smarter, quieter, and cleaner flying. It burns up to 25% less fuel than older jets and dramatically reduces noise on take-off and landing, two things LCY neighbours care deeply about.
Which Airlines Could Be Next?
Helvetic is just the first mover. Expect KLM Cityhopper and LOT Polish Airlines to follow suit with E2s on routes from Amsterdam and Vilnius, respectively. These upgraded aircraft mean more seats without additional slots and more music for LCY’s planning department.
Other E195-E2 operators in Europe include:
- Air Peace
- Porter Airlines
- Azul Linhas Aéreas
- TUIfly Belgium
- Binter Canarias
Some of these aren’t flying to LCY yet, but the door is open.
Why the E2 Matters Beyond London
This isn’t just about one airport. The E2 generation of jets (including the smaller E190-E2) is reshaping short-haul travel across Europe. Quieter, greener, and more efficient, these jets offer airlines a chance to “right-size” routes, bringing in 100 to 140 seats on regional legs without the overkill of a full A320 or 737.
Compare the stats:
| Feature | Embraer 190 | E195-E2 |
|---|---|---|
| Max Seats | 106 | 134 |
| Fuel Efficiency | Baseline | ~25% better |
| Noise Reduction | Standard | Significant |
| LCY Certified | Yes | Now Yes |
Spotter Notes
Want to catch the E195-E2 in action? Keep an eye on Helvetic’s Zurich rotation, and grab your lens around Royal Victoria Dock or the Pontoon Dock footbridge. The E2 looks almost identical to the E190 but has a longer fuselage, raked wingtips, and that distinctively smoother take-off roll. Click here to read our Lazy Spotter’s Guide to Heathrow: Where to Sit, Snack, and Snap Great Shots.
London City’s Fleet and Future
British Airways remains LCY’s biggest player, with 20 Embraer 190s based there and operating around 50–60 daily flights. LCY sees about 95 daily flights on weekdays and is served by 11 airlines, including:
- British Airways (CityFlyer)
- KLM
- Lufthansa
- ITA Airways
- LOT Polish Airlines
- Helvetic Airways
- Swiss, Luxair, Aurigny, Loganair, and Air Dolomiti
In 2024, LCY welcomed 3.57 million passengers. The 2025 forecast is for 60,000 total movements (30k arrivals + 30k departures). The record? is 94,000 movements back in 2008.
Final Approach
The E195-E2 at London City is more than just a milestone. It’s proof that clever aircraft design can unlock big wins for small airports. With more seats, less noise, and fewer emissions, the E2 is tailor-made for LCY’s future.
No expansion, no third runway, no fuss, just start flying the Embraer E195-E2. And yes, the descent still feels like a rollercoaster. You can read more about it here:
Keep the Miles Rolling
