Farnborough: flybe announces order for up to 140 Embraer E175s

flybe entered (20-Jul-2010) a "substantial" agreement with Embraer to purchase up to 140 88-seat E175 and E-family aircraft, with the first delivery scheduled for Sep-2011 through Mar-2017 (for firm orders). The order comprises 35 firm E175 aircraft, 65 options and 40 purchase options, with the carrier stating the order "provides a platform for Flybe's expansion into Continental Europe". The carrier continued: "The company is committed to measured and consistent growth over the next decade through the exportation of its business model into continental Western Europe. The acquisition of this capacity will underpin this move." The carrier added that it will maintain its core principal of a two fleet strategy, with E195/175 equipment and Bombardier Q400 aircraft, which it will also continue to operate. [more]