Helvetic Airways Lands for the First Time at London City Airport with Embraer E195-E2
Helvetic Airways has made its inaugural landing at London City Airport (LCY) with an Embraer E195-E2, making it the airline operating the largest aircraft at this small airport. As previously reported by Aviacionline, the flight departed Zurich (ZRH) on March 26 at 13:40, with an expected arrival time in London at 16:15, local time.
To celebrate this milestone, the Embraer E195-E2 that made the inaugural flight was decorated with stickers that read “The Largest Aircraft at LCY.” London City Airport is one of the most challenging airports in Europe, located in the heart of London's financial district.
Moreover, it is one of the few airports in the world that receives commercial aircraft specially certified for ILS approaches with a 5.50-degree descent rate. This makes it a unique challenge for many aircraft to land at this airport.
London City Airport is currently undergoing a passenger growth plan, aiming to reach 9 million passengers by 2031. This project is supported by a series of approvals from the UK's Civil Aviation Authority, along with the expansion of the commercial ramp and the construction of a taxiway extension to the runway's end.
The arrival of the Embraer E195-E2 marks another step in the airport's growth strategy. Currently, only five large narrow-body jets operate at the airport: the Airbus A318, Airbus A220-100, and the Embraer E190-E1, E190-E2, and E195-E2.
While the Embraer E195-E2 is now the largest aircraft operating at London City, it's not the heaviest at takeoff. That title remains with the Airbus A220-100, which has a maximum takeoff weight of 63,100 kilograms.
Larger Aircraft on the Horizon
In January of this year, London City Airport submitted a request to the UK's Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to certify operations with the Airbus A320neo.
The request includes the implementation of a new flight procedure known as RNP AR (Required Navigation Performance – Authorization Required), which would adjust the approach angle for the A320neo at both runway heads.
The Airbus A320neo can carry up to 186 passengers, 50 more than the Embraer E195-E2, and is one of the most widely used aircraft globally.
Redactor. Aviación Comercial, Ejecutiva, General. Reportero Gráfico.
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