Royal Jordanian is in the mood to add to its fleet, with eight new Embraer E2 aircraft on the way.
Royal Jordanian Embraer E195-E2 and E190E2. Rendering, Emberaer
The airline has reached an agreement with Embraer and commercial aviation lessor Azorra for the eight aircraft.
The agreement will see the introduction of both the E190-E2 and E195-E2 to the airline’s fleet.
Breaking down the agreement
- four E190-E2 will come from Azorra’s backlog
- two E195-E2 will come from Azorra’s backlog
- two E195-E2 are direct firm orders with Embraer, which were added to Embraer’s Q4 2022 backlog as ‘undisclosed’.
Aircraft deliveries are expected to begin in Q4 2023.
The aircraft will be used to renew and grow the Royal Jordanian fleet that is deployed to destinations within the Levant.
Configuration
The E195-E2 will seat 12 passengers in Crown Class and 108 in Economy. Meanwhile, The smaller E190-E2 will have 12 seats in Crown Class seats and 80 in Economy.
All aircraft feature Embraer’s signature ‘no middle seat’ 2-2 seating formation, and business class seats with 53-inch legroom. The economy cabin will feature new slimline seats with extra-large overhead bins, mood lighting, leather seats and wireless connectivity for entertainment in addition to full internet browsing, and communication capability with ground networks during flight.
Suppliers for the seating and infight connectivity have not been identified at this time.
In Quotes
Samer Majali, Vice Chairman and CEO of Royal Jordanian Airlines said:
“Following extensive feasibility studies, RJ selected Embraer’s E2 as the best fit for its financial objectives and network strategy. RJ has been operating Embraer aircraft for 15 years, and the E2 reduces the investment cost of pilot training and spare parts provisioning significantly, whilst also lowering crew scheduling and maintenance costs. The aircraft also provides 25% fuel savings compared to current aircraft, resulting in operating cost savings as well as significant carbon emissions reductions supporting the airline’s environmental strategy and targets. We are also pleased to, once again, work with the Azorra team. We appreciate their confidence in RJ and the E2”.
Azorra’s Chief Executive Officer, John Evans adds:
“We are delighted to welcome Royal Jordanian as Azorra’s newest E2 customer, continuing our team’s longstanding relationship with the airline that began with a single Embraer E175 well over a decade ago. Royal Jordanian’s selection of the E2 underscores our belief that it is a natural next step for existing E1 operators, providing next generation economic and environmental efficiencies, while maintaining the familiarity and dependability offered by Embraer,”
Arjan Meijer, CEO of Embraer Commercial Aviation, concluded:
“We are honored to be selected by Royal Jordanian Airlines to provide the next generation of regional aircraft, a central part of the airline’s major fleet modernization plan. The E2 family of advanced-generation jets offer the quietest, lowest polluting, and most fuel-efficient aircraft in the under 150-seat market. We are proud to continue our long association with Royal Jordanian, and welcome Azorra, who are extremely active in our market, to yet another Embraer deal.”
A major regional expansion
Royal Jordanian currently has two E175 and two E190s in its regional fleet – whilst relying on Airbus aircraft for Short to medium-haul routes.
With eight aircraft joining its regional operation, that is a doubling of the sub-150 seater aircraft that will operate, as well as increases in capacity (in a 12/60 configuration on their E175 and 12/92 on their E190), with the E190-E2 taking the E175s place (12/80), and the E195-E2 taking the place of E190 (in a 12/108).
It’s a lot of capacity to add on regional routes – and opens new possibilities for the airline.
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