Airlink to Expand Fleet With 10 Embraer E195-E2s

South Africa’s privately-owned carrier, Airlink, will grow its fleet with ten new leased Embraer jets.

Under the scope of an agreement yet to be finalized, Airlink will grow its current fleet, comprising of 68 aircraft, with the new E195-E2 aircraft, leased through Azorra. Deliveries from Embraer’s facilities in Brazil are expected to take place from later this year through to 2027.

“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.” Azorra CEO John Evans said in a news release.

Fleet and Route Network Expansion

Since Qatar Airways acquired a stake in the airline last year, Airlink is better positioned to carry out fleet and route expansion. The airline has its sights set on adding new services to Accra and Lagos from Cape Town, as well as Mauritius and Zanzibar, from Johannesburg.

Airlink has operated Embraer aircraft since 2001. The new 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 in the Indian Ocean.

In addition, 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.

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Lorne Philipot

Lorne is a South Africa-based aviation journalist. He was captivated and fascinated by flying from the day he took his first airline flight. With a passion for aviation in his blood, he has flown to destinations in all corners of the globe. Lorne has traveled extensively and lived in various countries. Drawing on his travels and passion for aviation, Lorne enjoys writing about airlines, routes, networks, and new developments.

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