Middle Eastern Carrier to Acquire Multiple E190-E2 and E195-E2 Jets

Embraer and commercial aviation lessor Azorra announced a new eight-aircraft deal with Jordanian flag-carrier Royal Jordanian Airlines. The agreement will see the air-carrier’s fleet supplemented with multiple specimens of Embraer’s E190-E2 and E195-E2 narrow-body aircraft. Deliveries of the jets are expected to commence in 2023’s fourth quarter.

The agreement entails eight aircraft, four E190-E2 and four E195-E2 models, with a combined list-price value of $635-million. Six aircraft, four E190-E2s and two E195-E2s, derive of Azorra’s existing backlog with Embraer. Two further E195-E2s represent firm orders placed directly by Royal Jordanian. The latter orders were added to Embraer’s fourth quarter 2022 backlog as undisclosed.

In October 2022, Royal Jordanian Airlines made public plans to expand and modernize its fleet by acquiring a number of Embraer’s E-Jet E2 family aircraft. The E2 models, chosen by virtue of their superior performance and operational efficiency, align with Royal Jordanian's goals to renew and grow its fleet, which currently serves the Levant—that part of the world comprising Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Palestine, and Jordan. The airline intends to assert its standing as the region’s preferred air-carrier by offering improved connectivity to a wider network of destinations throughout the aforementioned nations—thereby establishing Amman, Jordan’s capital city, as the premier gateway to the Levantine Region and the myriad business and tourist destinations therein.

Royal Jordanian Airlines vice-chairman and CEO Samer Majali stated: "Following extensive feasibility studies, RJ [Royal Jordanian] selected Embraer’s E2 as the best fit for its financial objectives and network strategy. RJ has been operating Embraer aircraft for 15 years, and the E2 reduces the investment cost of pilot training and spare parts provisioning significantly, whilst also lowering crew scheduling and maintenance costs. The aircraft also provides 25-percent fuel savings compared to current aircraft, resulting in operating cost savings as well as significant carbon emissions reductions supporting the airline’s environmental strategy and targets. We are also pleased to, once again, work with the Azorra team. We appreciate their confidence in RJ and the E2".

Azorra CEO John Evans set forth: “We are delighted to welcome Royal Jordanian as Azorra’s newest E2 customer, continuing our team’s long-standing relationship with the airline that began with a single Embraer E175 well over a decade ago. Royal Jordanian’s selection of the E2 underscores our belief that it is a natural next step for existing E1 operators, providing next generation economic and environmental efficiencies, while maintaining the familiarity and dependability offered by Embraer.”

Embraer Commercial Aviation CEO Arjan Meijer remarked: “We are honored to be selected by Royal Jordanian Airlines to provide the next generation of regional aircraft, a central part of the airline’s major fleet modernization plan. The E2 family of advanced-generation jets offer the quietest, lowest polluting, and most fuel-efficient aircraft in the under 150-seat market. We are proud to continue our long association with Royal Jordanian, and welcome Azorra, who are extremely active in our market, to yet another Embraer deal.”

Embraer’s E-Jet family is a series of four-abreast, narrow-body, short-to-medium range, twin-engine, jet airliners. The design’s commercial success derives largely of its ability to efficiently serve lower-density routes while offering many of the same amenities and features of larger commercial aircraft.

The E-Jet family comprises two series: the smaller, base-model E170 and E175 jets, and the stretched E190 and E195 aircraft. The E170 and E175 share 95% commonality, as do the E190 and E195; the two families share near 89% commonality, as evinced by their identical fuselage cross-sections and avionics.

The E195-E2 seats 12 passengers in Crown class and 108 in Economy class. The smaller E190-E2 features the selfsame number of Crown class seats and accommodates eighty Economy class passengers. All E2 aircraft feature Embraer’s signature 2x2 seating—which eliminates universally-despised middle seats—and business class seats affording travelers a generous 53-inches of legroom. The E2 family’s economy cabin is provisioned with new slimline seats, also in the four abreast, no-middle-seat configuration. The aircraft feature extra-large overhead bins, mood lighting, leather seats and wireless connectivity to terrestrial networks.

To the subject of powerplants, the E170 and E175 are powered by General Electric’s 14,200-lbf CF34-8E turbofan engine, while the stretched E190 and E195 make use of the 20,000-lbf General Electric CF34-10E mill. The noise-signatures and emissions of both engines exceed the requirements established by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Ergo, E-Jet operators retain the ability to service noise-sensitive airports such as London City (LCY), Teterboro (TEB), John Wayne (SNA), Santa Monica (SMO), and Naples, Florida (APF).

FMI: www.embraer.com