Airlink has announced plans to lease 10 new Embraer E195-E2 twin-engine passenger aircraft from Azorra, a Fort Lauderdale-based lease, finance and asset management firm.
Under the scope of the agreement, which will be finalised soon, Airlink will augment its current 68-strong fleet with the new E2 aircraft, with deliveries from Embraer’s facilities in Brazil expected later this year through to 2027.
The new 136- and 124-seat aircraft are expected to achieve fuel savings of up to 29% compared with the earlier-generation E195s the airline currently operates. Airlink says this will enhance its economic efficiencies and reduce emissions across its schedule and network.
These aircraft have, on average, 33% more seats than Airlink’s current E190s, allowing the carrier to achieve lower unit costs on high-demand routes. With their additional range, they will also let Airlink expand its network to new sub-Saharan African destinations.
Airlink CEO, de Villiers Engelbrecht, says: “The E195-E2 will bolster our business, helping us to be even more competitive on key routes and, in doing so, continue providing the great value offering our customers are accustomed to.”
