Airlink has “concluded its lease agreement with Azorra with the formal acceptance of the first three of ten new Embraer E195-E2 jetliners.”
According to the airline, “The new aircraft, which seat up to 136 passengers in a two-by-two cabin layout, will provide Airlink with additional capacity to better compete on high-density routes such as Johannesburg-Cape Town, while the E195-E2s additional range will open new route opportunities to connect more destinations and markets across sub-Sahara Africa.”
Airlink CEO, Mr. de Villiers Engelbrecht, said “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. The new E2s and our current E-Jets have very similar flightdecks, operating procedures and handling characteristics. This will also ensure a streamlined entry into service.”
Arjan Meijer, President and CEO Embraer Commercial Aviation, said: “This delivery marks another exciting chapter in our long-standing partnership with Airlink, and we look forward to seeing the E2 flying across more destinations in the region.”