Airlink is set to expand its fleet and route network with the introduction of 10 new Embraer E195-E2 aircraft, which it plans to lease from global lessor Azorra, the airline announced this week at the Paris Air Show.
The move marks a significant fleet upgrade for southern Africa’s largest privately owned full-service airline, which currently operates 68 aircraft and serves 45 destinations in 15 countries, including Madagascar and St Helena Island in the South Atlantic.
Under an agreement to be finalised soon, the new twin-engine jets will be delivered from Embraer’s Brazil facilities starting later this year, with the rollout continuing through to 2027:
“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
The new jets, seating 124 and 136 passengers, promise significant fuel savings of up to 29% compared to the older-generation E195s currently in the fleet. The upgrade will also reduce emissions while providing higher seat capacity, enabling greater cost efficiency on the airline’s most in-demand routes.
Azorra CEO John Evans said the decision marked a significant milestone in the company’s 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,” Evans said.
According to Airlink, the E195-E2’s enhanced range will allow it to reach new sub-Saharan destinations.
Embraer commercial aviation president and CEO Arjan Meijer welcomed the deal as an important development in the company’s African growth strategy.
“The E2 continues to prove its value for airlines worldwide, and this latest development highlights Embraer’s growing presence in Africa,” Meijer said.
“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.”
The announcement signals a strong post-pandemic rebound strategy for Airlink, positioning it to compete more aggressively and grow its footprint across the African continent.
Airlink has operated Embraer aircraft since 2001, and the addition of the E2s will build on the relationship while maintaining training and operational continuity. The aircraft are powered by Pratt & Whitney GTF engines and offer 33% more seats than the E190s.
