It’s time for Economy Class and Beyond’s Daily Digest from the Paris Air Show, with most companies remembering they’re at an Air Show, as Day 3 has come to a close.
As usual, we’ll be running this in Alphabetical Order, with the major airframers first, then everyone else.
Airbus
MNG Airlines signs MoU for two A350Fs
MNG Airlines, based in Türkiye, has become the latest carrier to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for two all-new A350F.
CEO of Mapa Group and Chairman of MNG Airlines, Murathan Doruk Günal, said:
“ This agreement for two A350F deepens a partnership with Airbus across its full range of freighter programmes. This move strengthens our position across key trade lanes, including Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and a growing footprint in North America. It will support both our scheduled and charter operations and give us added flexibility to meet evolving cargo demands, from e-commerce to high-value freight and express logistics”
Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus EVP Sales of the Commercial Aircraft business, added:
“We are delighted to welcome MNG Airlines as the latest customer for the A350F, underscoring the strong market appeal for this game-changing freighter. The A350F will bring new generation efficiency and performance as well as new levels of capacity and unprecedented loading flexibility. We look forward to ensuring a seamless integration into MNG’s operations,”
EGYPTAIR signs for an additional six Airbus A350 aircraft
EGYPTAIR has disclosed a firm order for an additional six A350-900s as part of its expansion strategy. The agreement takes the airline’s total order for the type to 16 A350-900. Egyptair currently operate 10 Airbus A330s, 4 Boeing 777-300ERs and 8 Boeing 787-9.
EGYPTAIR Chairman and CEO Captain Ahmed Adel said:
“We are continuously working to modernise our fleet and deliver a more comfortable and optimised travel experience. This collaboration with Airbus builds on a long-standing relationship that spans decades, marked by multiple successful deals and strategic partnerships in the aviation sector. Today’s announcement reflects our commitment to integrating the next-generation aircraft into our fleet. It will enable us to meet rising demand for long-haul travel, support our network expansion plans over the next five years, and contribute to Egypt’s broader efforts to promote more sustainable air transport.”
Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus EVP Sales of the Commercial Aircraft business, added.
“This is the second time EGYPTAIR has placed an order for the A350 and the decision is testament to the value the aircraft provides. The A350 is set to be a pillar in EGYPTAIR’s journey, and we look forward to these aircraft playing a pivotal role in the airline’s continued success, growth and decarbonisation ambition,”
STARLUX to add 10 more A350-1000s
STARLUX Airlines of Taiwan has signed a firm order with Airbus for the purchase of ten additional A350-1000 aircraft, taking its total order for the type to 18 aircraft.
The airline already operates an all-Airbus fleet of 28 aircraft, including the A350-900, the A330neo and the A321neo. The Taiwanese airline has on order 30 aircraft, including the A350F freighters and A350-1000.
STARLUX Airlines CEO Glenn Chai said:
“Expanding our international fleet with additional A350-1000s is a significant step toward reinforcing our global presence and enhancing connectivity across key markets,”
“This aircraft offers efficiency, range and comfort, making it the perfect fit for our strategy to optimise long-haul operations while delivering an exceptional passenger experience. As we continue to strengthen our international network, the A350-1000 will play an important role in driving growth, sustainability and operational flexibility.”
Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus EVP Sales of the Commercial Aircraft business, added:
“STARLUX Airlines’ decision to add more A350-1000s to its growing fleet reaffirms the aircraft’s standing as the benchmark for long-haul operations. With its advanced design and fuel-efficient performance, the A350-1000 Long Range Leader enables airlines to optimise routes while reducing environmental impact,”
“We are pleased to strengthen our long-standing partnership with STARLUX Airlines as they expand their global footprint and connect more destinations with efficiency and comfort.”
ATR
Air Tahiti goes for an All-Business Layout
Air Tahiti, the leading inter-island carrier of French Polynesia, has selected the ‘ATR HighLine All-Business Class’ cabin interior for one of its four newly ordered ATR 72-600 aircraft.
This marks the launch by Air Tahiti of a unique VIP service to start in the second half of 2026, which will serve Bora Bora and Raiatea.
As part of ATR’s new collection of high-end cabin interiors, ‘ATR HighLine’ – which offers configurations ranging from dual-class to VIP layouts – this new cabin will provide a VIP atmosphere featuring an open, executive-style ceiling and 26 individual business-class seats in a 1-by-1 configuration. Specifically designed by Geven for ATR, the ‘ETEREA’ business seat will deliver comfort with personal space (width of 21.6 inches), extended legroom (seat pitch of 39 inches), deep recline (7 inches), a personal side console, dedicated stowage, USB A+C ports, direct aisle access and direct window views.
It’s the second big win for the Highline product (which we’ve covered at Aircraft Interiors Expo in previous years)
Edouard Wong Fat, Chief Executive Officer of Air Tahiti, stated:
“We are not only renewing our fleet, we are launching a whole new travel experience, offering an exceptional service that reflects the natural beauty and unique spirit of our islands. Whether travellers are arriving from long-haul international flights or hopping between islands, they will enjoy an elevated experience both on the ground and in the air. With ATR, we have the ideal platform to deliver connectivity, reliability, premium service, and fuel efficiency – all in one.”
Alexis Vidal, SVP Commercial of ATR, said:
“Air Tahiti and ATR have grown together over the years, continuously exploring new horizons with a shared commitment to connectivity that makes a difference. Air Tahiti’s new premium offering is more than an upgrade, it embodies the airline’s dedication to making sure that, while serving some of the most breathtaking islands in the world, the experience begins the moment their passengers step on board. The growing interest in the ‘ATR HighLine’ cabin collection underscores a rising demand among commercial, business, corporate and governmental operators for superior comfort, unmatched airfield accessibility and low-emission solutions. ATR is the go-to choice for operators seeking to achieve all these objectives without compromise.”
JSX goes ATR!
One of the biggest surprises of the show was announced, with JSX planning to operate ATR Aircraft.
JSX intends to begin ATR operations in late 2025. The public charter air carrier will lease two ATR 42-600s to expand its hop-on service. The move reintroduces ATR operations to the USA after Silver Airways went under.
JSX will offer its customers a premium configuration that is part of the ATR HighLine cabin collection, featuring a spacious interior with plans to certify and install Starlink high-speed internet connectivity.
The aircraft will be fitted with 30 premium seats, offering business class legroom, complimentary cocktails and snacks in-flight.
That’s not all. It seems that there could be further growth with both JSX and ATR signing a Letter of Intent for 15 firm orders with 10 options, all with all-new ATR HighLine-equipped aircraft – either ATR 42-600s with 30 premium seats or All-Business Class ATR 72-600s with 30 seats.
Alex Wilcox, JSX Chief Executive Officer, said :
“The ATR -600 series will bring over 1,000 new airports into reach for JSX, expanding access to reliable public charter flights across the great United States. Many of these airports were, until now, reserved only for those who had the means to fly private,”
“I am confident that our Customers will love the ATR product, not just for the variety of new routes it allows JSX to operate, but also for its quiet cabin and comfortable seating. When paired with our award-winning JSX hospitality, the addition of the ATR marks an innovative step forward in our company’s unyielding mission to increase the safety, speed, and convenience of air travel that moves our country forward.”
Nathalie Tarnaud-Laude, Chief Executive Officer at ATR, added:
“We are delighted to welcome JSX as a new ATR operator and to see our aircraft entering a dynamic new market segment in the United States. JSX’s unique model, blending the exclusivity of private aircraft-style travel with the efficiency of regional aviation, is a perfect match for our ATR HighLine cabin collection. This partnership underscores the growing demand for low-emission, high-end air travel, powered by the unmatched performance of turboprop technology. We look forward to supporting JSX’s vision and further reinforcing ATR as the leading choice for regional aviation in the U.S.”
De Havilland of Canada
Two Passenger to Freighter conversion kits sold to Advantage Air (Nairobi)
De Havilland Aircraft of Canada has confirmed that Advantage Air of Nairobi has purchased two Package Freighter Conversion Kits to strengthen the operator’s Dash 8-400 freighter program. Delivery is set for late 2025.
The Package Freighter Conversion Kit is part of De Havilland Canada’s suite of cargo conversion solutions, offering a permanent reconfiguration of the Dash 8-400 aircraft from a passenger layout to a dedicated cargo platform.
Ryan DeBrusk, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at De Havilland Canada, said:
“We are proud to continue our collaboration with Advantage Air as they expand their cargo operations from their home base at Wilson Airport in Nairobi, Kenya” said
“Their decision to invest in our Package Freighter product highlights the value of our dedicated cargo solutions and the growing demand for reliable, rugged aircraft in regional markets.”
Captain Mohammad Somow, CEO of Advantage Air, added:
“Our investment in the Package Freighter Kit program marks an important milestone in our fleet strategy. These kits enhance our capacity to meet cargo demands with speed, reliability, and efficiency – leveraging the proven durability and performance of the Dash 8-400.”
Embraer
It seems Embraer remembered it was at an airshow today with a slew of announcements coming from the Brazilian manufacturer.
Embraer confirmed an order with SkyWest for 60 more Embraer E175 aircraft. Yes, not the E2 variant but the classic E175.
Embraer has received a firm order from SkyWest, Inc. for 60 E175 aircraft with purchase rights on 50 additional aircraft
Deliveries of the aircraft will begin in 2027. The list price value of the firm order contract for 60 aircraft, which will be included in Embraer’s Q2 backlog, is US$ 3.6 billion. With a fleet of 263 aircraft and an existing backlog of 16 aircraft, SkyWest Airlines is the largest E-Jet owner and operator in the world.
Chip Childs, President and CEO of SkyWest, said:
“As the largest E175 owner and operator worldwide, we’re pleased to continue growing our E175 fleet and enhance our dual-class footprint. This order enables us to advance our long-term fleet strategy and to continue to deliver the premier regional product in the industry.”
Arjan Meijer, President & CEO of Embraer Commercial Aviation, added:
“We are thrilled to continue our long-standing partnership with SkyWest Airlines with this mega order. The E175 is the cornerstone of regional aviation in North America, and this order underscores SkyWest’s confidence in our aircraft’s performance, reliability, and passenger comfort. We look forward to supporting SkyWest’s growth and success in the years to come.”
Airlink to lease 10 E195-E2s from Azorra
Airlink of South Africa plans to lease 10 new Embraer E195-E2 from Azorra.
Under the scope of an agreement to be finalised soon, Airlink will augment its current 68-strong fleet with the new E2 aircraft, with deliveries from Embraer’s facilities in Brazil expected later this year through to 2027. Airlink has operated Embraer aircraft since 2001.
Offerable in 136 and 124-seat configurations, they will offer fuel savings as well as 33% more seats compared to the airline’s current E190s.
Airlink CEO, de Villiers Engelbrecht, says:
“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.”
John Evans, CEO at Azorra, says:
“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.”
Arjan Meijer, President and CEO of Embraer Commercial Aviation, says:
“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.”
Air Montenegro adds a third E195-E2 and joins the Embraer Parts Pool Programme
Air Montenegro has added a third E195 jet to its fleet and signed a multi-year contract for the Pool Program with Embraer covering both the new jet and the two E195s already integrating the European airline’s fleet. Currently, the Pool Program supports more than 60 airlines worldwide.
Virgin Austraila and Hunnu Air also signed agreements for the Pool Program.
Tihomir Dragaš, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Air Montenegro, said:
“Although our cooperation with Embraer has been long and successful, we believe its peak is yet to come. The continued development of Air Montenegro and the modernization of our fleet will open new possibilities to deepen our partnership and achieve common goals in the areas of safety, innovation, and service excellence,”
Vukadin Stojanović, CEO of Air Montenegro, said:
“With the valuable support and close cooperation of Embraer, we are proud to have introduced another aircraft into the Montenegrin fleet. This milestone reflects not only our strong partnership with the manufacturer, but also our shared commitment to enhancing safety and operational standards for the benefit of our passengers and crew. We would like to take this opportunity to express our sincere gratitude to Embraer for their continued dedication and support throughout our long-standing partnership,”
Carlos Naufel, President and CEO, Embraer Services & Support, added:
“Air Montenegro has shown strong growth during the last year, and we are happy to be part of this momentum, by providing more capacity and world-class services. Our goal is to keep the E-Jets ready to fly and to keep strengthening our successful partnership for the years to come”,
Regional One to double its Passenger 2 Freight E190s, Bridges Air Cargo to be the launch operator
Regional One has chosen to expand its fleet, with the addition of two passenger-to-freight (P2F) conversions, doubling its existing order of two to four.
Regional One initially ordered two E-Freighter conversions from Embraer in 2022. It was also announced today that Bridges Air Cargo will be the launch operator of the E-Freighter, Regional One’s inaugural client on the E190F. The first of two jets is expected to start operating in Bridges’ fleet in the third quarter of 2025.
The E-Freighter, based on the E190 platform, offers superior performance, flexibility, and cost-efficiency, making it an ideal choice for Regional One’s growing fleet.
Regional One’s Chief Investment Officer, George Mamangakis, commented:
“We’re expanding our freighter fleet with two additional Embraer E-Freighters to better serve the growing demand for efficient, flexible, and sustainable cargo solutions. This strategic move reinforces our strong partnership with Embraer and highlights our shared focus on innovation, performance, and operational excellence in air freight.”
Guy Bridges, Managing Director of Bridges Air Cargo, said:
“It’s fitting that Bridges becomes the launch customer for the E-Freighter as we celebrate 35 years of operations and over a billion kilograms moved for the express market. The aircraft’s size fills a unique and under-served space in the cargo segment. It strengthens our operational capability and paves the way for the development of promising new routes. We are excited to partner with Embraer and Regional One on what we see as a pivotal advancement for regional air cargo.”
Arjan Meijer, President and CEO of Embraer Commercial Aviation, concluded:
“We are delighted that Regional One has chosen to expand their E-Freighter fleet with Embraer. This order is a testament to the outstanding capabilities of our E-Freighter platform. We look forward to continuing our strong partnership with Regional One and supporting their growth in the cargo sector.”
Big Surprises and not so big ones too.
To say the JSX deal has caught people on the hop would be an understatement, given the airline operates Embraer E135 and E145s currently, marking a major change in strategy if they follow through with their Letter of Intent to order new ATR Aircraft.
As for the non-surprise, it’s good to see Skywest sign for more scope-compliant aircraft (even if it means the E175-E2 will probably fall further back in development until the Scope Clauses change to allow bigger aircraft to be used..
Nearly everyone had a good day today, with what seems to be the last blast of orders… except Boeing, which scored nothing.
Next:
As the Paris Air Show starts to wind down from a commercial sales and announcement to a public air show, we’ll be keeping an eye open if there’s anything that crosses the wire tomorrow.
Given that this show has been quieter than usual, your author is not holding their breath. We are working on a couple of articles from the show (including a deeper dive at THE Room FX and the love of the E175), which will hit next week, all things being equal.
We’ll be back with the Paris Air Show Daily Digest around 19:30 BST tomorrow if there are headlines to report.
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