Air Transport

Embraer today delivered its first E-195 aircraft in a joint ceremony with launch customer Flybe.

“Flybe is the first customer to take delivery of an Embraer 195 and we look forward to seeing this E-Jet flying in the skies of the UK and to other European destinations,” said the Brazilian manufacturer’s chief executive Maurício Botelho during the delivery ceremony at its São José dos Campos base.

“With its unparalleled combination of comfort, performance and adequate size to serve medium density markets, the low seat-kilometre cost Embraer 195 will provide the efficiency required by one of Europe’s leading budget airlines as soon as it enters into service.”

Flybe’s E-195s are configured with a single-class 118-seat cabin, and will replace its fleet of BAe 146s. The low-cost carrier has firm orders for 18 of the type, and options on 12 more.

“It is not often that a new aircraft comes into service and we are very proud that Flybe is the launch airline for this fabulous aircraft,” says the airline’s chairman and chief executive Jim French. “The Embraer 195 will help us continue to deliver a real value for money, low fares, high quality service to our customers, on our UK regional and short-haul international routes.

“It also meets our stated objective of operating just two aircraft types as we phase out the BAe 146s,” he adds.