Airlink, Southern Africa's leading full-service airline, plans to lease 10 new Embraer E195-E2 twin-engine passenger aircraft from Azorra, the Fort Lauderdale-based lease, finance and asset management firm.

Under the scope of an agreement to be finalised soon, Airlink will augment its current 68-strong fleet with the new E2 aircraft, with deliveries from Embraer's facilities in Brazil expected later this year through to 2027. Airlink has operated Embraer aircraft since 2001.

The new 136 and 124-seat aircraft are expected to achieve fuel savings of up to 29 percent compared to the earlier-generation E195s Airlink currently operates. This will enhance Airlink's economic efficiencies and reduce emissions across its schedule and network which covers 45 destinations in 15 countries, including St Helena Island in the South Atlantic and Madagascar.

The addition of the Pratt & Whitney GTF-powered E2s, which have on average 33% more seats than Airlink's current E190s will enable the airline to achieve lower unit costs on high-demand routes. With their additional range, they will also let Airlink expand its network, providing its efficient, reliable and comfortable service to new sub-Sahara Africa destinations.

Airlink will derive additional savings from the high degree of operating, maintenance, training and equipment commonality between its existing E-Jets and the new E2s, including similar flightdecks, operating procedures and handling. This will also ensure a streamlined entry into service.

Airlink CEO, de Villiers Engelbrecht, says: "The E195-E2 will bolster our business, helping us to be even more competitive on key routes and in doing so, continue providing the great value offering our customers are accustomed to."

John Evans, CEO at Azorra, says: "This decision marks a significant milestone in our relationship with Airlink. The E195-E2 offers the perfect combination of increased capacity, efficiency and flexibility, helping Airlink expand its network while maintaining the high-frequency service its passengers value. We are proud to partner with Embraer and Pratt & Whitney to introduce this new generation aircraft to Airlink."

Arjan Meijer, President and CEO Embraer Commercial Aviation, says: "The E2 continues to prove its value for airlines worldwide and this latest development highlights Embraer's growing presence in Africa. It's a great vote of confidence in Embraer and the E2, that Airlink, one of the continent's most successful airlines, and a long time Embraer operator, intends joining the E2 family. We thank Azorra for its support in enabling what will be an important fleet expansion."