Report by : Gan Yung Chyan, KUCINTA SETIA Image : Web Screenshot
Airlink, a leading South African airline, and Azorra have officially finalized a lease agreement for ten new Embraer E195-E2 aircraft, with the first aircraft scheduled for delivery in the second half of this year.
This agreement fulfills the previously announced E195-E2 option plan. Fort Lauderdale-based lessor Azorra will provide Airlink with new aircraft, expanding its existing fleet of 68 aircraft.
The ten E195-E2s will be delivered from Embraer's Brazilian facility, with deliveries scheduled to begin in the second half of this year and complete by 2027. Airlink has been operating Embraer aircraft since 2001.
The new aircraft, featuring Embraer's signature 2+2 cabin layout, can accommodate up to 136 passengers and will provide Airlink with capacity to enhance its competitiveness on high-density routes. The E2's increased range will also help Airlink further expand its route network and provide efficient, reliable, and comfortable service to new destinations in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Airlink's current first-generation E-Series aircraft and the new E2 aircraft share significant commonality in operations, maintenance, training, and equipment configuration, including similar cockpits, operating procedures, and controls. This will further reduce costs and ensure a smooth entry into service for the new aircraft.
Airlink CEO de Villiers Engelbrecht said, "This is both exciting and challenging for Airlink. It's exciting because it marks the beginning of a new phase in our development as South Africa's leading airline. The challenge lies in the extensive preparations we face before the first aircraft enters service, expected in December of this year. However, I have every confidence that the Airlink team will remain fully committed to achieving this mission." "
John Evans, CEO of Azorra, said, "This collaboration marks a significant milestone in our partnership with Airlink. The introduction of the E195-E2 reflects our shared commitment to operational efficiency, sustainability, and enhanced services. We are honored to be working with Embraer and Pratt & Whitney to provide Airlink with this next-generation aircraft, helping to enhance connectivity in the region."
Arjan Meijer, President and CEO of Embraer Commercial Aviation, said: "We are proud to deepen our long-standing partnership with Airlink and witness its next chapter with the E195-E2. As the world's most efficient single-aisle aircraft, the E195-E2 will strongly support Airlink's strategic expansion into the South African market. We look forward to seeing the E2 fleet flying in the Airlink livery, setting new standards in the industry with its exceptional performance, exceptional comfort, and sustainability."
