Embraer S.A. has secured an estimated $2.1-billion order from Republic Airways Holdings for 50 of its E175 twin-engine jets, to be delivered between the third quarter of 2015 and 2017. The jets will be operated by United Express, the regional carrier aligned to United Airlines.
The E175 is one of the smaller variants of Embraer’s E-Jet family of narrow-body, medium-range aircraft, introduced in 2003. These jets are powered by twin GE Aircraft CF34-8E engines, and have a flight range of 1,800 to 2,100 standard miles. Typically they are arranged to carry 78-88 passengers.
Through its three subsidiary business units, Indianapolis-based Republic Airways operates a fleet of nearly 250 aircraft that offer about 1,300 flights daily to 110 cities in the U.S., Canada and the Caribbean. The airlines operate major airline partner brands, including American Eagle, Delta Connection, United Express, and US Airways Express.
Republic Airways operates the largest fleet of Embraer E-Jets fleet in the world, and a previous contract is in process to deliver 47 E175 jets. That order has already seen 34 jets delivered, and includes options for up to 47 more. Republic also holds options for an addition 32 E175s.
Republic Airways ordered its first Embraer E-Jets, the E170, in 2004. With this new order, its E-Jet fleet will consist of 72 E170s and 151 E175s, for a total of 223 E-Jets.
“We have long and successful relationships established with both Republic and United. This new contract further strengthens these important bonds,” stated Paulo Cesar Silva, president and CEO of Embraer Commercial Aviation.
Relatedly, Republic Airlines agreed to transfer 20 Q400 turboprop airplanes it now operates to Flybe Limited, a British carrier. At the same time, Flybe and Embraer agreed to reduce by 20 the outstanding order for 24 E175s the airline has on order backlog.
“Embraer has a long history of working with us to meet our partners’ needs,” said Bryan Bedford, President, Chairman and CEO of Republic. “We look forward to working with Embraer, United and Flybe to complete this fleet transition.”
