A landmark order for new Embraer aircraft has been placed by US carrier Avelo Airlines.
The deal, which includes up to 100 aircraft, will see the firm purchase 50 E195-E2 jets with purchase rights for a further 50. The list price value for the order is US $4.4 billion, which doubles if the options are included, and is closer to the US $9 billion mark if activated at a later date.
For Embraer, however, the deal represents a historic one, with Avelo set to become the first carrier in the United States to operate the high-capacity flagship E2 program, marking a new era for the manufacturer as it seeks to deepen its commitment to North America.
The E2 series has already seen widespread adoption from Porter Airlines across the border in Canada. Still, it has yet to take off in the United States despite many regional operators utilising the likes of the E190.
These new purchases will begin being delivered in the first half of 2027, approximately 18 months away, and highlight the more optimal delivery windows available to airlines through programs such as those with Embraer.
Importantly for Avelo, the purchase of the E2 series will modernise the fleet and, at least for the foreseeable future, help complement the 737NG jet by adding the neccesary capacity and ability to grow.
We are thrilled to partner with Embraer and bring this best-in-class small narrowbody airplane to the United States marketplace. Our customers will love the E2’s comfortable 2×2 seating, in-seat power ports, large overhead bins, and quiet cabin. The aircraft’s exceptional performance, size, and efficiency make it the perfect choice for the future growth of our scheduled service network. The airline industry in the United States is evolving, and the E2 fits perfectly with our vision for Avelo’s unique role in that evolution.
Avelo Airlines Founder and CEO Andrew Lev
With the E2’s short-field perfromance driven by what is known as E2TS (Embraer Enhanced Takeoff System), there’s excitement for what the jet will be able to do in terms of reaching new markets across the region.
Additionally, Avelo will be able to utilise the aircraft towards existing locations on its network, bringing greater levels of efficiency not previously seen before, thanks to the range, fuel efficiency, and much smaller footprint.
Embraer Leaves One Airline But Joins Another
While Avelo Airlines has committed its future to Embraer and therefore placed a sizeable order for the E2 family, a historic one in the United States, another has said farewell.
JetBlue Embraer taxies after landing at O’Hare Airport in Chicago – Photo: Tupungato
Instead of JetBlue deciding to move ahead with a new replacement, it has opted to transition towards Airbus aircraft, specifically the A320 and A220 families, to take it forward and ensure strong levels of fleet commonality.
JetBlue began operations with the E190 in 2005, and for twenty years, the aircraft has served the airline during arguably its most crucial period, when focus has been placed on building a reliable and strong network; the Embraer aircraft has helped develop that network.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Daniel Fowkes
Daniel Fowkes is a Melbourne-based aviation analyst and journalist with over a decade of industry experience. As founder of Dj’s Aviation, he delivers trusted analysis on aircraft, airline strategy and global aviation trends for djsaviation.net