South African Airline Expands Fleet with 10 New Embraer E195-E2s – Deliveries Between 2025 and 2027

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

• AirlinkCEO, de Villiers Engelbrecht, says:“It is an excitinganddaunting moment forAirlink. Exciting because it heralds the next phaseofAirlink’s developmentandgrowth as the leading regional airline in Southern Africaandnow 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 theAirlinkteam will deliver, as they always do.”
• John Evans, CEO atAzorra, says:"This is an exciting step forward in our partnership withAirlink. The additionofthe E195-E2 to their fleet highlights our shared commitment to operational efficiency, sustainable growth,andincreased capacityandservice. We’re proud to work alongsideEmbraerandPratt & Whitney to bring next-generation aircraft toAirlink, supporting enhanced connectivity across Africa.”
• Arjan Meijer, PresidentandCEOEmbraerCommercial Aviation, says:“We are proud to deepen our long-standing partnership withAirlinkas it takes this next step into the future with the E195-E2. This aircraft is the most efficient single-aisle jet in its classandperfectly suited to supportAirlink’s ambitious growth plans across Southern Africa. We look forward to seeing the E2 inAirlink’s livery, delivering unmatched performance, comfort,andsustainability.”

Source: Embraer Photo Credit: Embraer