South Africa’s Airlink received two new Embraer E195-E2 jets last week.
AIRLINK TAKES FIRST TWO E195-E2 JETS
The airline inked a deal with Azorra in June this year, leasing ten E195-E2 aircraft.
The first two E195-E2s, out of the ten, have arrived in South Africa from Brazil.
The first E195-E2, registration ZS-ARF touched down in Cape Town on 23 September, after flying from Jose dos Campos in Brazil, across the Atlantic Ocean, to South Africa, where it first landed in Cape Town.
The aircraft then continued on to Johannesburg, where it joins the Airlink fleet. It will enter operations in the months ahead, but before the end of the year.
The second E2, registration ZS-BJW followed the same routing from Brazil to South Africa, landing in Cape Town on 27 September, before continuing to Johannesburg. It too, will enter operations in the months which lie ahead.
The aircraft have already received certification for commercial operations by South Africa’s Civil Aviation Authority.
FLEET MODERNISATION
Airlink currently operates an all Embraer fleet of 68 aircraft. This includes both turbofan and turbojet aircraft.
The new E195-E2s usher in a new era in travel in the region with quieter cabins, greater comfort, and unmatched efficiency.
They also enable Airlink to operate more suitable aircraft on thick routes as well as to launch services on long haul routes.
Qatar Airways took a 25% stake in the airline last year. The investment allows Airlink to scale up its fleet as well as expand its route network.
This will benefit passengers travelling within Southern Africa, where Airlink has a vast network of operations.
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