Southern Africa’s leading full-service airline, Airlink, plans to lease 10 new Embraer E195-E2 twin-engine passenger aircraft from Fort Lauderdale-based lease, finance and asset management firm, Azorra.
AIRLINK TO GET 10 NEW EMBRAER E195-E2S FROM AZORRA
This is indeed a step forward for Airlink, which operates an extensive route network across Southern Africa.
It also enhances sustainability for the airline, through a reduced carbon footprint as well as fuel efficiencies.
“This decision marks a significant milestone in our relationship with Airlink. The E195-E2 offers the perfect combination of increased capacity, efficiency and flexibility, helping Airlink expand its network while maintaining the high-frequency service its passengers value. We are proud to partner with Embraer and Pratt & Whitney to introduce this new generation aircraft to Airlink.” John Evans, CEO at Azorra, said.
AIRLINK’S EMBRAER FLEET
Embraer’s aircraft are indeed very popular for many African airlines. The company offers right sized aircraft for many of the routes on the continent.
Airlink has operated Embraer aircraft since 2001.
Under the scope of an agreement which is soon to be finalised, Airlink will augment its current 68-strong fleet with the new E2 aircraft. Deliveries are scheduled to take place from later this year, to 2027.
“The E2 continues to prove its value for airlines worldwide and this latest development highlights Embraer’s growing presence in Africa. It’s a great vote of confidence in Embraer and the E2, that Airlink, one of the continent’s most successful airlines, and a long time Embraer operator, intends joining the E2 family. We thank Azorra for its support in enabling what will be an important fleet expansion.” Arjan Meijer, President and CEO Embraer Commercial Aviation, said.
The new 136 and 124-seater aircraft are expected to achieve fuel savings of up to 29 percent compared to the earlier-generation E195s which Airlink currently operates.
The addition of the Pratt & Whitney GTF-powered E2s, which have on average 33% more seats than Airlink’s current E190s will also enable the airline to achieve lower unit costs on high-demand routes.
ROUTE NETWORK EXPANSION
These aircraft will enhance Airlink’s economic efficiencies and reduce emissions across its schedule and network which covers 45 destinations in 15 countries, including St Helena Island in the South Atlantic and Madagascar.
With their additional range, the E195-E2s will also allow Airlink to expand its network, providing its efficient, reliable and comfortable service to new sub-Sahara Africa destinations.
Following on from its partnership with Qatar Airways last year, the carrier is looking to expand its fleet and routes.
Airlink has recently applied for rights to operate various new routes, signalling its intentions to expand its route network. Hence the need for additional aircraft, with extended range.
“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.” Airlink CEO, de Villiers Engelbrecht, said.
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 flightdecks, operating procedures and handling. This will also ensure a streamlined entry into service.
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