Airlink to lease 10 new Embraer E195-E2 aircraft from Azorra

South Africa-based regional airline Airlink announced plans to lease 10 new Embraer E195-E2 twin-engine passenger aircraft from Azorra, an aircraft lessor based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. 

The announcement was made during an Embraer press conference on June 18, 2025, at Paris Air Show 2025. 

As part of the agreement that will be finalized soon, Airlink will enhance its existing fleet of 68 aircraft with the new E2 aircraft, with deliveries from Embraer’s facilities in Brazil anticipated from later this year until 2027. 

“Airlink has been a customer partner of ours since 2001 and the exceptional economics, the enhanced performance and premium product of year two will enable Airlink to further grow through Africa,” Martyn Holmes, Chief Commercial Officer at Embraer Commercial Aviation, said during the conference. 

Martyn Holmes at PAS25 / AeroTimeThe new aircraft feature 136 and 124 seats and are projected to save up to 29% more fuel compared to the earlier-generation E195s currently operated by Airlink. 

According to the Brazilian aircraft manufacturer, this will enhance Airlink’s economic efficiencies and reduce emissions across its schedule and network. 

“The E195-E2 will bolster our business, helping us to be even more competitive on key routes,” Airlink CEO, de Villiers Engelbrecht said in a statement released by Embraer following the conference. 

The Pratt & Whitney GTF-powered E2s, which offer approximately 33% more seats than Airlink’s existing E190s, will help the airline reduce unit costs on high-demand routes. This will also allow Airlink to grow its network, covering new destinations in sub-Sahara Africa. 

Additionally, Embraer said Airlink will gain extra savings due to the strong similarities in operation, maintenance, training, and equipment between its current E-Jets and the new E2s. This will ensure a smooth entry into the service. 

Currently Airlink covers 45 destinations in 15 countries, including St Helena Island in the South Atlantic and Madagascar. 

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