Airlink to Add 10 Embraer E195-E2 Jets in Major Fleet Expansion
At the Paris Air Show, Airlink and Azorra Announce Leasing Agreement for Ten Embraer E195-E2 Jets
South African carrier Airlink, one of the leading airlines in southern Africa, will add ten new Embraer E195-E2 aircraft to its fleet through a lease agreement with Azorra, a specialized leasing firm based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The announcement, made during the 2025 Paris Air Show, formalizes both companies' intent to finalize a deal that will modernize and expand the airline’s capacity.
Deliveries of the aircraft, produced at Embraer’s facilities in Brazil, will begin at the end of 2025 and continue through 2027. This marks a milestone for Airlink, which will be integrating factory-new aircraft into its fleet for the first time. The airline currently operates a fleet of 68 first-generation Embraer aircraft, and its relationship with the Brazilian manufacturer dates back to 2001.
Airlink CEO Rodger Foster stated: “The E195-E2 will strengthen our business, helping us become even more competitive on key routes while continuing to deliver the outstanding value our customers have come to expect.” This strategic move comes amid high demand and limited availability in the used Embraer aircraft market.
Powered by Pratt & Whitney GTF engines, the E195-E2 offers up to 29% better fuel efficiency compared to the previous-generation E195s currently operated by Airlink. This efficiency will not only bring economic benefits, but also support emissions reduction across Airlink’s network, which spans 45 destinations in 15 countries, including remote locations like Saint Helena Island in the South Atlantic and Madagascar.
The aircraft will be delivered in 124- and 136-seat configurations, representing a 33% capacity increase over the airline’s current E190s. This will allow Airlink to optimize unit costs on high-demand routes and explore network expansion into new sub-Saharan African destinations, thanks to the E2’s extended range.
Why Did Airlink Choose the Embraer E195-E2?
The selection of the E195-E2 aligns with Airlink’s strategy of modernization and efficiency. The aircraft offers:
Up to 29% fuel savings
33% more seating capacity compared to current E190s
Longer range for new route opportunities
High commonality with existing E-Jet fleet, simplifying training, maintenance, and operations.
Azorra CEO John Evans commented that the deal "marks an important milestone in our partnership with Airlink. The E195-E2 delivers the perfect mix of capacity, efficiency, and flexibility, supporting Airlink’s network expansion while maintaining the high-frequency service valued by its passengers." Azorra, which has recently acquired several E-Jet portfolios, further strengthens its presence in the African market through this agreement.
Arjan Meijer, President and CEO of Embraer Commercial Aviation, added: “The E2 continues to prove its value to airlines worldwide, and this latest development highlights Embraer’s growing presence in Africa.” The confidence of a well-established carrier like Airlink in the E2 family provides a strong endorsement of Embraer’s next-generation aircraft.
A key operational advantage for Airlink is the high level of commonality between its existing E-Jet fleet and the new E2s, including cockpit layout, operating procedures, and maintenance routines. This ensures a smooth transition and rapid entry into service while minimizing training and equipment costs.
AUTOR
Desde 2017, haciendo periodismo aeronáutico. Award-Winning Journalist: Ganador de la edición 2023 de "Periodismo de Altura", otorgado por ALTA. Facts don't care about your feelings.
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