Brazilian regional aircraft OEM Embraer Commercial Aviation announced that it delivered the first two of a total 20 E195 jets to Tianjin Airlines, which will be the first carrier in China to operate this “stretch” version of Embraer’s narrow-body E-Jet series. Tianjian Airlines, based at the city of that name in northeastern China, serves over 100 domestic and international cities, with a "regional aviation and global operations" strategy that transported over 10 million passengers last year.
The two new jets are part of a reported a $1.1-billion contract Tianjin Airlines signed with Embraer in 2014, involving 20 E195 and 20 E190 E2 jets.
The E195 is part of the E-Jet series that Embraer introduced in 2002. The E190/195 jets are the larger variants, seating 100 passengers in a two-class configuration or up to 124 in single-class set-up.
Embraer E-Jets E2 are a new series designed with larger diameter engines to improve fuel consumption, along with lighter components and structural elements to reduce the weight of the aircraft. Initial deliveries of the E2 series jets are scheduled for 2018.
All of Embraer’s models are assembled at its headquarters location in São José dos Campos, São Paulo, Brazil.
Currently, Tianjin Airlines maintains the largest fleet of Embraer E190 and 195 aircraft in China, 45 aircraft operating on regional and feeder routes.
"China's regional aviation industry has just taken off and will be the most robust in the world in the next decade," stated Paulo Cesar Silva, president and CEO. "Embraer is glad to engage in this transformation and improve connectivity with our regional aircraft. We also hope the incoming E195 aircraft will help optimize our customer's fleet structure and create more value for Tianjin Airlines."
While Tianjin ranks as Embraer’s largest customer in China, it claims to have an 80% share of the Chinese regional aviation market. It currently holds 188 firm orders from Chinese commercial carriers.
"Tianjin Airlines is not only Embraer's largest customer in the Asia-Pacific region but also our first Authorized Service Center in China,” detailed Guan Dongyuan, president of Embraer China. “The notable achievements Tianjin Airlines has made demonstrate the advantages of Embraer commercial aircraft. Embraer China will use this opportunity to further deepen the cooperation with Tianjin Airlines, offering our reliable, fuel-efficient products, as well as our most devoted customer support and services."
