Aircraft

Columbian carrier AeroRepública yesterday placed a firm order for five single-class configured Embraer 190 aircraft.

The deal, which has a list price of $175 million, also includes 20 options, which if firmed could treble the carrier’s current operational fleet of 12 aircraft. Delivery of the first 108-seat E-190 is scheduled for November 2006.

“We were looking for a new generation of aircraft that would provide the high level of comfort and dependability that customers require, and also be very efficient in fuel consumption and in general performance,” says AeroRepública president Roberto Junguito in a statement. “The Embraer 190 also offers us the opportunity to balance capacity and demand, which we need as part of our operational and expansion plan.”

AeroRepública will use the new twinjets to cement its domestic network, as well as the “development of international markets”. This will include a new joint route expansion agreement with sister carrier and E-190 operator Copa Airlines.

“The incorporation of the new Embraer 190 into the fleet of AeroRepública is one of the principal initiatives of the airline’s strategic plan,” says Copa Holdings president Pedro Heilbron. “This aircraft is ideal for this market in terms of capacity and efficiency, and is a truly attractive product for the Colombian traveler and for the entire region.”

DARREN SHANNON / WASHINGTON, DC