By Skies Magazine | July 19, 2022 Estimated reading time 3 minutes, 51 seconds.
Porter Airlines announced on July 19 that it has placed a firm order with Embraer for 20 E195-E2 passenger jets, adding to the airline’s existing firm order for 30 of the type. The deal has a list price value of US$1.56 billion.
Almost exactly one year ago, Porter announced it would be adding up to 80 E195-E2s to its fleet to extend service across North America. The announcement marked Porter as the official North American launch customer for the E2. The airline stated that 30 of the 80 aircraft were “firm commitments,” and that the company would have purchase rights for an additional 50 jets. The initial deal was worth US$5.82 billion at list price.
Today’s announcement for an additional 20 firm orders brings Porter’s orders with Embraer to a total of up to 100 E195-E2 aircraft, with 50 firm commitments and 50 purchase rights. The new aircraft could create as many as 6,000 new jobs, according to the airline.
“We are in final preparations to introduce the E195-E2 to North America,” said Michael Deluce, president and CEO of Porter Airlines. “The aircraft will become core to our fleet, as Porter reshapes passenger expectations for air travel in same way we did over 15 years ago. Announcements are forthcoming that will detail our initial routes, in-flight product, and other details.”
Porter plans to deploy its new E195-E2s to popular business and leisure destinations throughout Canada, the U.S., Mexico, and the Caribbean, from Ottawa, Montreal, Halifax, and Toronto Pearson.
The airline is currently based out of Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (CYTZ), so service out of Toronto Pearson is a first. Porter confirmed that the E2 fleet will not operate out of Billy Bishop, but noted that it will maintain its headquarters at CYTZ and will continue serving the same network of regional markets from that airport.
“With 50 E2s now on firm order, Porter is set to make a stunning debut as North American launch customer for the E195-E2,” said Arjan Meijer, president and CEO of Embraer Commercial Aviation. “Their commitment today to a further 20 jets, so soon after their first order, demonstrates the unbeatable performance and economics of the E2 family; the quietest and most fuel-efficient aircraft in the segment. The E195-E2 also delivers 25 percent lower carbon emissions than previous generation aircraft.”
The E195-E2 accommodates between 120 and 146 passengers. Configuration plans for Porter’s E2s “will be revealed in due course,” the airline said.
The first E195-E2 delivery to Porter, and entry into service, is scheduled for the second half of 2022.
Wonder why they didn’t go with the Canadian built A220?