South African private-sector regional airline Airlink has painted its latest and recently-acquired Embraer E195 airliner in a special all-black colour scheme, in order to promote the carrier’s Skybucks customer loyalty programme. Skybucks was itself launched only recently.

“Skybucks is a key component in establishing and consolidating Airlink as an independent, efficient and dependable airline, travel partner and brand,” explained airline CEO and MD Rodger Foster. “Black is the pinnacle Skybucks tier and a cachet reserved exclusively for the select group of our most loyal high-flyers. On the other hand, our graceful black E-Jet will surprise and catch eyes wherever she flies!”

The E195 is the largest type that Airlink currently operates. In Airlink service they are configured to carry 107 passengers, in two classes. The E195 is the largest member of the baseline Embraer E-Jet family, which is composed of four models: the E170, the E175, the E190 and the E195. (On the production line these are now supplemented, and will in due course be replaced, by the three-model new-generation E-Jet E2 family, of which the E190-E2 and E195-E2 are in revenue service, while the E175-E2 is still under development; the E195-E2 is Embraer’s largest airliner type.)

Airlink’s current jet fleet is, in fact, composed entirely of Embraer types – more than 60 of them. In addition to the E-Jets, the airline also operates members of the Brazilian manufacturer’s ERJ family. The E-Jets are smaller single-aisle airliners and, in addition to the E195, Airlink operates the E170, in a 74-seat, two-class, cabin configuration, and the E190, with 98 seats, also in two classes. The ERJs are regional airliners, and, of these, the airline currently operates the 44-passenger ERJ-140 and the 37-seat ERJ-135 LR, both types being configured with single-class cabins.

The airline, founded in 1992, currently serves 45 destinations across Southern and East Africa, as well as to the island country of Madagascar and the island territory of St Helena. It has been the most reliable South African airline (according to Airports Company South Africa statistics) for both last year and the year before, and so far, this year, has recorded an average on-time performance of 94.21%. It is a member of the International Air Transport Association.