US-based aircraft lessor Azorra has signed a firm order for 15 Embraer E195-E2 jets, pushing the Brazilian manufacturer's E-Jet E2 programme past the 500-order milestone. The deal, announced at the Farnborough International Airshow, brings Azorra's total E2 commitments to 45 aircraft, including options and purchase rights.
The E195-E2, the largest member of Embraer's second-generation regional jet family, seats up to 146 passengers and boasts a 25% reduction in fuel burn compared to older models. Azorra, which has a portfolio spanning multiple regional and narrowbody types, said the aircraft will be deployed to meet growing demand from airlines seeking to right-size capacity on thinner routes.
The order comes as the global aerospace industry grapples with persistent delivery delays from Boeing and Airbus, which have struggled with supply chain bottlenecks and quality control issues. Analysts at Cirium note that carriers are increasingly turning to smaller, more efficient regional jets to maintain schedule flexibility and manage costs.
For UK airlines and lessors, the deal signals continued confidence in the regional jet market. British operators such as Loganair and Eastern Airways have previously operated Embraer aircraft, and the E195-E2 is seen as a natural replacement for ageing 100-150 seat jets. The aircraft's lower noise footprint and reduced emissions also align with the UK's net-zero aviation targets.
Embraer has now secured more than 500 orders and commitments for the E2 family, though the programme has lagged behind the larger CSeries (now Airbus A220) in terms of volume. The Brazilian manufacturer has been actively marketing the E2 to European and Asian carriers, particularly those serving secondary airports where runway performance and operating costs are critical.
Source: Embraer press release, Farnborough International Airshow