Airlink to Lease 10 Embraer E195-E2 Jets from Azorra

Our Bureau - : Jun 18, 2025 - : 7:32 pm

Airlink, Southern Africa’s leading full-service carrier, has announced plans to lease 10 new Embraer E195-E2 aircraft from Azorra, a US-based aircraft leasing and asset management firm. The agreement, which is expected to be finalised soon, will expand Airlink’s current fleet of 68 aircraft, with deliveries scheduled to begin later this year and continue through to 2027.

Airlink has been an Embraer operator since 2001 and currently flies a mix of earlier-generation E-Jets. The addition of the new-generation E195-E2s—configured with 124 and 136 seats—will bring significant improvements in fuel efficiency and capacity. The E195-E2 offers fuel savings of up to 29% compared to the older E195s in Airlink’s fleet, supporting the airline’s efforts to lower emissions and enhance operational economics across its network of 45 destinations in 15 countries, including Madagascar and St Helena Island.

Powered by Pratt & Whitney GTF engines, the E2 aircraft will offer around 33% more seats on average than Airlink’s current E190s. This increased capacity, combined with longer range, is expected to reduce unit costs and support expansion into new destinations across sub-Saharan Africa.

Airlink will also benefit from high levels of commonality between the E195-E2s and its existing Embraer fleet, including shared cockpit layouts, operating procedures and handling characteristics. This will simplify training and maintenance, enabling a smooth integration into service.

Airlink CEO, De Villiers Engelbrecht, said:
“The E195-E2 will bolster our business, helping us to be even more competitive on key routes and in doing so, continue providing the great value offering our customers are accustomed to.”

Azorra CEO, John Evans, said:
“This decision marks a significant milestone in our relationship with Airlink. The E195-E2 offers the perfect combination of increased capacity, efficiency and flexibility, helping Airlink expand its network while maintaining the high-frequency service its passengers value. We are proud to partner with Embraer and Pratt & Whitney to introduce this new generation aircraft to Airlink.”

Embraer Commercial Aviation President and CEO, Arjan Meijer, added:
“The E2 continues to prove its value for airlines worldwide and this latest development highlights Embraer’s growing presence in Africa. It’s a great vote of confidence in Embraer and the E2, that Airlink, one of the continent’s most successful airlines, and a long-time Embraer operator, intends joining the E2 family. We thank Azorra for its support in enabling what will be an important fleet expansion.”

Embraer / E195-e2 / Airlink / Azorra /