Airlink has welcomed three new Embraer E195-E2 aircraft to its fleet.
Under a lease agreement, finalized in August, with Florida-based Azorra, Airlink is set to take delivery of ten new E195-E2 aircraft.
“The integration of the E195-E2s into Airlink’s fleet is an important milestone in the company’s 33-year history and will set it on a new trajectory. In addition to the operational and commercial flexibility the larger and more capable aircraft offer, they will also unlock additional efficiencies and cost savings from the high degree of operating, maintenance, training and equipment commonality with our existing E-Jets,“ Airlink CEO, De Villiers Engelbrecht said, according to a news release.
Fleet Modernization
Airlink has already received three of the ten aircraft leased under this deal. Two of these arrived in South Africa last week. The E195-E2s are in the process of being ferried from Embraer’s facilities in São José dos Campos, Brazil, to Johannesburg.
The aircraft will enter service with Airlink in December, for the peak summer holidays. In the meantime, Airlink is complying with the South African Civil Aviation Authority’s processes, demonstrating its ability to operate and support the aircraft so that they may be added to the airline’s air operator’s certificate.
The airline’s pilots, cabin crew, engineering, and maintenance personnel are undergoing training on the E195-E2. Airlink’s aircraft maintenance facility is also equipped to support the aircraft, the carrier said.
“The new E2s and our current E-Jets have very similar flight decks, operating procedures and handling characteristics. This will also ensure a streamlined entry into service.” Engelbrecht said.
The new E195-E2s bolster the carrier’s all-Embraer fleet. These new aircraft, which seat up to 136 passengers in a two-by-two configuration, will provide Airlink with additional capacity to compete on high-density routes. The E195-E2s additional range will also open up new route opportunities across sub-Saharan Africa for the airline.
