Airlink (South Africa) (4Z, Johannesburg O.R. Tambo) plans to lease ten new E195-E2 jets from Azorra, the first of the type in its fleet, in what represents a long-awaited upgauge for the Southern African regional airline.
In a joint statement released at the Paris Air Show on June 18, the parties said they expect to conclude the agreement soon, with deliveries from Embraer expected later this year through to 2027.
The new 136- and 124-seater aircraft will join Airlink’s fleet of 68 all-Embraer aircraft. The airline has been operating Embraer aircraft since 2001.
The E2s will also have on average 33% more seats than Airlink’s current E190s, which will enable the airline to achieve lower unit costs on high-demand routes, while their additional range will allow Airlink to expand its network to new sub-Saharan destinations. Powered by Pratt & Whitney GTF engines, the airline said the E195-E2s will offer a 29% fuel saving compared to the earlier-generation E195s Airlink currently operates.
"Airlink will derive additional savings from the high degree of operating, maintenance, training, and equipment commonality between its existing E-Jets and the new E2s, including similar flight decks, operating procedures, and handling. This will also ensure a streamlined entry into service," the airline said.
Airlink has long been looking to lower its unit costs, particularly on South African trunk routes and in the regional market, where it competes with narrowbody operators such as South African Airways and FlySafair. In May, Engelbrecht told ch-aviation that Airlink was considering new and used Airbus and Boeing single-aisle aircraft, while the E2 was also "definitely in play"
The carrier's current fleet comprises sixteen E135s, eleven E140s, three E170s, four E175s, twenty-eight E190s, and six E195s.
