South African regional and domestic airline Airlink and US-based aircraft leasing, management and finance group Azorra have finalised their agreement, under which Airlink will lease ten new Embraer E195-E2 next-generation smaller single-aisle airliners, all three companies have simultaneously announced. The E195-E2 is the largest airliner type produced by Embraer, and can seat up to 146 passengers. Deliveries, from Embraer’s production facilities in Brazil, will start later this year and conclude in 2027.

“It is an exciting and daunting moment for Airlink,” said company CEO de Villiers Engelbrecht. “Exciting because it heralds the next phase of Airlink’s development and growth as the leading regional airline in Southern Africa and now possibly beyond. Daunting, as there is a lot to do in the weeks ahead before the first aircraft enters service, hopefully in December this year, but I have no doubt that the Airlink team will deliver, as they always do.”

In Airlink service, the aircraft will be configured with 136 seats. These will be arranged in a two-by-two layout. Not only will they provide the airline with increased capacity, but, with a greater range than Airlink’s current aircraft, will provide the opportunity to open up new routes as well.

“This is an exciting step forward in our partnership with Airlink,” highlighted Azorra CEO John Evans. “The addition of the E196-E2 to their fleet highlights our shared commitment to operational efficiency, sustainable growth, and increased capacity and service. We’re proud to work alongside Embraer and Pratt & Whitney [the engine manufacturer] to bring next-generation aircraft to Airlink, supporting enhanced connectivity across Africa.”

The E195-E2s will increase the size of the carrier’s fleet from its current 68 aircraft to 78. There will be a high level of training, operating, maintaining and equipment commonality between the new aircraft and Airlink’s current E-Jets. The E-Jet and EJet-E2 families have similar flightdecks, handling and operating procedures. This will provide a swifter entry-into-service for the new aircraft. Airlink has operated Embraer types since 2001.

“We are proud to deepen our long-standing partnership with Airlink as it takes this next step into the future with the E195-E2,” affirmed Embraer Commercial Aviation president and CEO Arjan Meijer. “This aircraft is the most efficient single-aisle jet in its class and perfectly suited to support Airlink’s ambitious growth plans across Southern Africa. We look forward to seeing the E2 in Airlink’s livery, delivering unmatched performance, comfort and sustainability.”