Airlink finalizes deal to lease 10 Embraer E195-E2 aircraft from Azorra

Airlink has finalized a lease agreement with an aircraft lessor Azorra to acquire 10 new Embraer E195-E2 twin-engine passenger aircraft in order to boost regional connectivity in Southern Africa. 

On August 7, 2025, Brazilian company Embraer said the delivery follows Airlink’s earlier selection of the E195-E2 aircraft. The potential lease agreement was initially discussed on June 18, 2025, during the Paris Air Show. 

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

Azorra, a Fort Lauderdale-based lease, finance and asset management company, will supply the newly built aircraft which will add to Airlink’s current fleet of 68 aircraft. 

According to Embraer, the new aircraft can accommodate up to 136 passengers in a two-by-two seating arrangement.  

Arjan Meijer, President and CEO of Embraer Commercial Aviation, said that this aircraft is “the most efficient single-aisle jet in its class” and is “perfectly suited to support Airlink’s ambitious growth plans across Southern Africa.” 

“We look forward to seeing the E2 in Airlink’s livery, delivering unmatched performance, comfort, and sustainability,” Meijer added. 

Additionally, Embraer said that with the completion of the deal 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.” 

Airlink CEO de Villiers Engelbrecht said the first aircraft is expected to start service in December 2025, adding that there is “a lot to do in the weeks ahead” before that happens.  

“It is an exciting and daunting moment for Airlink. Exciting because it heralds the next phase of Airlink’s development and growth as the leading regional airline in Southern Africa and now possibly beyond,” Engelbrecht said. 

The planemaker said that deliveries of the 10 E195-E2s from its facilities in Brazil will begin later in 2025 and will be finished by 2027. The post Airlink finalizes deal to lease 10 Embraer E195-E2 aircraft from Azorra appeared first on AeroTime.

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