South Africa – Airlink has finalised a lease agreement with Azorra for 10 new Embraer E195-E2 aircraft, marking a significant fleet expansion for Southern Africa’s largest privately owned regional airline. The deal, first announced as a selection earlier this year, will see deliveries begin later in 2025 and conclude in 2027.

• Fleet commonality with Airlink’s existing Embraer E-Jets will allow for cost efficiencies in operations, maintenance, training, and equipment, ensuring a smooth entry into service.

• Airlink has operated Embraer aircraft since 2001, and this acquisition strengthens its two-decade relationship with the Brazilian manufacturer.

• Azorra, a US-based lessor with a fleet exceeding 225 aircraft (including orders and commitments), is supplying the newly built E2s in collaboration with Embraer and Pratt & Whitney.

• Airlink currently operates a 68-strong fleet and in 2024 welcomed Qatar Airways as a 25% equity partner.

• The first E195-E2 is expected to enter service by December 2025.

Statements

• Airlink CEO, de Villiers Engelbrecht, says: “It is an exciting and daunting moment for Airlink. Exciting because it heralds the next phase of Airlink’s development and growth as the leading regional airline in Southern Africa and now possibly beyond. Daunting, as there is a lot to do in the weeks ahead before the first aircraft enters service, hopefully in December this year, but I have no doubt that the Airlink team will deliver, as they always do.”

• John Evans, CEO at Azorra, says: “This is an exciting step forward in our partnership with Airlink. The addition of the E195-E2 to their fleet highlights our shared commitment to operational efficiency, sustainable growth, and increased capacity and service. We’re proud to work alongside Embraer and Pratt & Whitney to bring next-generation aircraft to Airlink, supporting enhanced connectivity across Africa.”

• Arjan Meijer, President and CEO Embraer Commercial Aviation, says: “We are proud to deepen our long-standing partnership with Airlink as it takes this next step into the future with the E195-E2. This aircraft is the most efficient single-aisle jet in its class and perfectly suited to support Airlink’s ambitious growth plans across Southern Africa. We look forward to seeing the E2 in Airlink’s livery, delivering unmatched performance, comfort, and sustainability.”

Source: Embraer
Photo Credit: Embraer