The airline previously enjoyed an all Fokker fleet, being one of the largest operators of the F100 aircraft, has done a deal for 14 Embraer E190 twin jets for an estimated AU$111 million.
According to a report in The Australian newspaper, the airline raised the funds for the deal with a share purchase plan back in June. The airline has been able to take advantage of lower prices because of the ongoing coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic.
"When we looked at them a year ago, they were about twice that, so it’s a good opportunity for us," Alliance Airlines managing director Mr McMillan told the paper. The aircraft are all second-hand have previously flown for Copa Airlines from Panama and are said to be approximately 10 years old.
In addition to the aircraft, the deal also includes 6 spare engines and they also have an option to buy a further 5 aircraft and a full flight simulator with related training equipment.
McMillan confirmed the new E190s are in addition to the carriers existing fleet of 47 Fokker aircraft. "Our Fokker fleet remains the core of our fleet and we believe will remain in service for many years to come, especially given our significant spare parts and inventory stores. - With limited Fokker aircraft acquisition opportunities, it was also the time to acquire a newer aircraft in order to position us for our next growth phase."
The jets will start to be delivered from September and will get a new Alliance paint job before they arrive and start on regional routes.
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