In a move to replace its smaller aircraft, TUI Group has selected Embraer’s E195-E2 to join the TUI fly Belgium fleet.
TUI fly Belgium will take delivery of three E195-E2 from AerCap on a long-term lease. The aircraft, from AerCap’s existing fleet and powered by Pratt & Whitney GTF engines, will be delivered in a 136-seat, single-class configuration, in the first half of 2023.
Interiors and seat suppliers were not disclosed.
The fleet will be based out of the airline’s Antwerp base, where it will serve North Belgium passengers to European destinations.
In Quotes
Marco Ciomperlik, Chief Airline Officer, TUI Group:
“We are thrilled to add the E195-E2 to our Belgium fleet. Operating on short and medium haul routes, the new airplane is the most efficient aircraft in the market. It uses less fuel, has a longer range, while at the same time is 50% quieter and emits up to a third less carbon dioxide.
The aeroplanes will operate mostly out of Antwerp, from where they will fly to more distant airports, which will allow us to expand into new holiday destinations from Northern Belgium”,
Tom Chandler, Managing Director Fleet and Asset Management, TUI Group added:
“The selection of the E195-E2 is an important milestone to make TUI’s fleet even more efficient in support of our sustainability goals. Working together with AerCap, Embraer and Pratt & Whitney, we have agreed on an attractive package that enables TUI to provide travellers from regional airports in Belgium an even better start to their holidays,”
Peter Anderson, Chief Commercial Officer of AerCap said:
“We are very pleased to announce the lease placement of three E195-E2s with TUI. AerCap has a long history of working with TUI and we are excited to be a part of their fleet renewal plan,”
“The E195-E2s are the perfect aircraft to support TUI’s operations with greater versatility and improved efficiencies, enabling them to meet their sustainability commitments. We wish TUI every success with the E2-Jets, and we look forward to working with them as these aircraft deliver.”
Martyn Holmes, Chief Commercial Officer, Embraer Commercial Aviation, added:
“We welcome TUI, already operators of the first generation E190, to the E2 family of operators. The economics of the E195-E2 combined with its comfort, is a win win for TUI – allowing the operator to increase capacity and delight their guests, while still reducing fuel costs and lowering emissions. We’re pleased to continue our long relationship with TUI and thank AerCap for their partnership.”
Fleet adjustment ahead
TUI fly Belgium currently has a mainly Boeing-based fleet, with them operating the Boeing 737-700, Boeing 737-800, Boeing 737-8 Boeing 767-300ER and Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner – as well as an existing Embraer operation consisting of four E-190 aircraft.
With three E195-E2 aircraft due to join the fleet, they are clearly targeting the existing Boeing 737-700 aircraft that the airline wishes to retire.
Whilst there is a seating size difference – 148 on a 737-700 versus 136 on an E195-E2, the efficacies of operating a slightly smaller aircraft with marketable seating options (bearing in mind that this aircraft will be in a 2-2 layout) could work out in favour of the airline.
With commonality with the other E-Jet aircraft in the fleet, it should allow for a painless integration when these aircraft arrive in 2023.
Considering the airline also has further Boeing 737-8 and the Boeing 737-10 on order, it is time of adjustment in the TUI fly Belgium fleet.
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