Belarussian national carrier Belavia has picked the Embraer regional jet family to increase its fleet capabilities.
Ahead of making the type selection, Belavia had studied serviceability of the Embraer 175s and Embraer 190s used by LOT Polish Airlines and Kazakhstan's Air Astana.
Speaking in Minsk, general manager Anatoly Gusarov said these models had the right seat capacity and fit into the carrier's business development plan perfectly.
"It is focused on increasing frequencies and cabin loads rather than expanding our route network," he said. "We're finalising talks with a US leasing company and hope to receive two new E-175s in September-October 2012."
In addition, Belavia wants to place an order for two E-190s, with delivery in 2013, to better fill the capacity gap between its 50-seat Bombardier CRJ200s and Boeing 737s which have 120-140 seats,
The carrier also uses three Tupolev Tu-154Ms but it will have to withdraw them from service within two years, said Gusarov, citing economic reasons.
Source: Air Transport Intelligence news