Embraer has handed over the second of its E-Jet E2 variants: an E195-E2 for Brazilian ­carrier Azul via lessor AerCap.

Formally delivered during a ceremony at the airframer’s Sao Jose dos Campos facility, the re-engined and rewinged jet is the first of an eventual 57 examples for Azul: six via lessors and 51 directly ordered.

Azul E195-E2

Embraer

“Today’s delivery is a momentous occasion,” says John Slattery, chief executive of Embraer Commercial Aviation. “It’s the largest commercial aircraft Embraer has ever built. Passengers are going to love the new interior and airlines are going to love the extraordinary operating economics.”

The E195-E2 is 41.5m (136ft) long, with a 35m wingspan - wider than that of its KC-390 military airlifter - and accommodates up to 146 passengers in a high-density layout.

Powered by twin Pratt & Whitney PW1900G geared turbofans, the E195-E2 boasts a range of 2,600nm (4,820km).

As of 30 June, Embraer had a firm backlog of 124 of the type, with the largest customers Azul (51) and AerCap (45). Other clients include Air Castle (13), Air Peace (10) and Binter Canarias (5).

Overall, the 124 orders account for 76.5% of the total backlog for the second-generation regional jet family, while the remainder is comprised of 38 E190-E2 orders.

“We could not be more proud to bring this Brazilian aircraft, built with Brazilian technology and innovation to the Brazilian skies,” says David Neeleman, Azul’s founder and chairman.

Azul has configured its aircraft in a 136-seat, single-class layout which it will operate on domestic and international routes; it expects to receive another five E2s this year.

Embraer delivered the first E2 – an E190-E2 – to Norwegian carrier Wideroe in early 2018.

Source: FlightGlobal.com