US airline group Republic Airlines has signed a letter of intent to buy 24 more Embraer 190 jets in a deal valued at $960 million signed today at the Farnborough Air Show.

Under the agreement Republic will begin taking delivery of the first six E-190s in the first half of next year. The Republic group is the largest E-Jets operator with 145 in its fleet including 76 Embraer 170s, 54 Embraer 175s and 15 Embraer 190s.

"This new agreement confirms our commitment to the E-Jet family," says Republic Airways Holdings chief executive Bryan Bedford. "We chose them again because passenger comfort, mission performance - especially in hot and high markets like Denver - and compelling economics are hallmarks of the E-Jet product line."

Bedford adds the airline has flexibility through conversion rights to the Embraer 195 in a 116-seat single class configuration.

Source: Air Transport Intelligence news