SA Airlink to acquire 13 E-Jets; first E-Jet operator in South Africa

SA Airlink announced (19-Jan-2017) plans to acquire three Embraer 170s and two E190s from ECC Leasing. Deliveries will commence in 1H2017. The airline plans to replace its Avro RJ85 fleet with 13 E-Jets over the next three years and is currently sourcing another eight E190s. SA Airlink CEO Rodger Foster said the E190's range and ETOPS capability presents the airline with new market opportunities. The airline is the first in South Africa to acquire E-Jets. The carrier also began adding another 11 ERJ 140 aircraft to its fleet in Dec-2016 and will operate 30 ERJ 135, ERJ 140 and ERJ 145 aircraft by the end of 2017. [more - original PR]