Brazil-based major global aerospace group Embraer has announced that both its E190-E2 and E195-E2 smaller single-aisle airliners have been type certified by the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA). In parallel, the SACAA also certified the Pratt & Whitney PW1900G engines that power these aircraft. Both the airliners and engines embody “next-generation” design and technologies.

“This certification opens new opportunities for the aircraft, which has already gained significant success across the world,” pointed out Embraer Commercial Aviation senior VP for Africa and the Middle East Stephan Hannemann. “Passengers can now look forward to experiencing the E2’s class-leading comfort very soon.”

Embraer described the E190-E2 and E195-E2 as the most fuel-efficient single-aisle airliners now in service. The E190-E2 is 17.3% more fuel efficient than the previous-generation Embraer E190, while the E195-E2 is 29% more fuel efficient than the E195.

Major South African airline Airlink has recently contracted with international group Azorra to lease ten new E195-E2s. The first one should be delivered by the end of this year, and the last one by 2027. They will be configured with 136 passenger seats (an E195-E2 cabin can be fitted with up to 146 seats).

“South Africa’s type acceptance of the latest generation Embraer E195-E2 and its Pratt & Whitney engines by the SACAA are important milestones as we prepare to receive and take them into service,” highlighted Airlink CEO de Villiers Engelbrecht. “The E2’s additional capacity and range will let Airlink respond to increased demand on some of our most popular routes and extend our destination network so that we can provide convenient connections for customers in new markets.”

“With Embraer firmly established as the market leader in the up to 150-seat segment in Africa, this region is a key focus for us,” affirmed Embraer Commercial Aviation president and CEO Arjan Meijer. “As a long-standing Embraer customer, it’s great that Airlink will soon be South Africa’s first E2 operator. This aircraft is the most efficient single-aisle jet and is perfectly suited to support Airlink’s ambitious growth plans across Southern Africa.”