Widerøe takes the next step towards emission free, commercially viable aviation with Embraer

 

Widerøe, committed to be one of the first airlines in the world to be emission-free, has signed an MoU with Embraer that will see the companies working together to define and establish the real-world requirements for sustainable, emission free, and commercially viable, aviation.

The companies will collaborate to define requirements such as infrastructure, ground handling, aircraft performance (range, speed, etc.), and cargo space etc. The Energia AdvisoryGroup will help accelerate time to market and ultimately inform the choice of which Energia concept will come to market first.

This agreement builds on existing Embraer projects with Widerøe such as ‘Project Zero’ – a collaboration with Rolls-Royce to study a truly zero emission aircraft (zero NOx and other greenhouse gases) of around 50 seats. This complementary work looks at all aspects of developing and operating the 19-50 seat Energia concepts.

“At Widerøe, we established Widerøe Zero because we need the freedom to think afresh. There are entrenched ways of doing things in our industry, but running a zero-emissions fleet is going to be completely different,” says Andreas Kollbye Aks, former Director of Strategy atWiderøe, and CEO of Widerøe Zero. “Embraer’s approach to sustainable aviation most closely aligns with our own, and this collaboration will get into the real-world detail, to shape the technology that will make Zero missions flight a reality.”

The largest aircraft to land at London City Airport - Welcome to Embraer E195-E2

Photo LCY

An impressive debut at London City Airport occurred this week when London's favourite airport welcomed an Embraer E195-E2 jet fresh from display at The Farnborough Airshow.

This, the latest in Embraer's commercial passenger jets was able to cope with the steep approach needed to operate from the docklands airport, with ease. The visit was in anticipation of the aircraft’s certification to fly in and out of the airport that requires a descent angle of around 5.5 degrees, which is expected by the end of the year. The visit was also to conduct ground handling and other operational tests and other preparations ahead of the expected scheduled deployment once certification is granted. 

Photo LCY

The aircraft, the largest in the E2 family, seating up to 146 passengers, was flown into LCY on a 39% blend of Sustainable Aviation Fuel. Embraer’s test aircraft, featuring the eye-catching black and gold TechLion livery, was welcomed with the traditional water salute from London City Airport’s fire service.

The visit demonstrates the importance Embraer places on being able to offer LCY capability to airlines with the E195-E2 - the E190-E2 began operations into LCY with in September 2021. The airport is a vital component of London’s wider connectivity, and Embraer aircraft are uniquely able to manage the challenges of LCY operations; Embraer aircraft account for 85% of all LCY operations on routes as diverse as Edinburgh and Mykonos.

Alison FitzGerald, Chief Operation Officer at London City Airport, said, “The arrival of the E195-E2 signals that we are on the cusp of welcoming more new generation aircraft that provide world-class environmental performance, carry more passengers, and have the potential to connect this airport with more global markets.

This moment also represents the strength of the partnership we have with Embraer, and together, we are pushing the envelope of what’s possible at this airport, as at 146 seats and a wingspan of 35 metres, it will be comfortably the largest aircraft to operate from LCY.

While the immediate focus is certification, we are hopeful that we will see the first E195-E2 in operation next year with KLM which will be real cause of celebration.”

 

Arjan Meijer, President and CEO of Embraer Commercial Aviation, said, “London City feels like home for Embraer. It’s a great airport, not just because it’s fast and efficient for passengers to travel through, but because its unique challenges as an airfield demonstrate the excellent performance of our E-Jets. We are immensely proud to be the dominant aircraft brand at LCY, and look forward to seeing scheduled services begin with the E195-E2.”  

Photo LCY

The E2 is the most efficient single-aisle aircraft flying today, saving up to 25% carbon dioxide emissions compared to previous generation aircraft. Over 30% lower CO2 emission per seat versus jets of current generation operating at the airport

In early July, Embraer and Pratt & Whitney successfully tested a E195-E2 aircraft on 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). With 100% SAF, the 25% reduction in emissions can be increased up to an impressive 85%.

In terms of noise reduction, the E195-E2 offers an over 65% reduction in noise footprint area compared to jets of current generation operating at the airport.

LCY’s runway length measures just 1,508 metres and descent angles are up to 5.5 degrees. Currently, 85% of all flights landing or departing LCY are E-Jets or the E190-E2 operated by carriers such as BA Cityflyer, KLM Cityhopper, and Helvetic Airways.

But what was it like on board?  Read the excellent report by Sumit Singh on Simply Flying. 

Widerøe First Airline to Join Embraer’s Energia Advisory Group

 

Widerøe, committed to be one of the first airlines in the world to be emission free, has signed an MoU with Embraer that will see the companies working together to define and establish the real-world requirements for sustainable, emission free, and commercially viable, aviation.

The companies will collaborate to define requirements such as infrastructure, ground handling, aircraft performance (range, speed, etc.), and cargo space etc. The Energia AdvisoryGroup will help accelerate time to market and ultimately inform the choice of which Energia concept will come to market first.

This agreement builds on existing Embraer projects with Widerøe such as ‘Project Zero’ – a collaboration with Rolls-Royce to study a truly zero emission aircraft (zero NOx and other greenhouse gases) of around 50 seats. This complementary work looks at all aspects of developing and operating the 19-50 seat Energia concepts.

“At Widerøe, we established Widerøe Zero because we need the freedom to think afresh. There are entrenched ways of doing things in our industry, but running a zero-emissions fleet is going to be completely different,” says Andreas Kollbye Aks, former Director of Strategy atWiderøe, and CEO of Widerøe Zero. “Embraer’s approach to sustainable aviation most closely aligns with our own, and this collaboration will get into the real-world detail, to shape the technology that will make Zero missions flight a reality.”

Alaska Air orders eight new E175 aircraft for operation by Horizon Air

 Earlier this week, Alaska Air Group announced an order for eight additional new E175 aircraft to be operated by Horizon Air. The new aircraft will be flown exclusively for Alaska Airlines by Horizon.

Horizon is transitioning out of flying the Q400 and moving to a single fleet of E175s to be flown to the more than 45 cities Horizon serves throughout the Pacific Northwest, Alaska, California, the Midwest, and British Columbia and Alberta in Canada.

“The E175 is an extremely efficient aircraft,” said Nat Pieper, senior vice president of fleet, finance and alliances for Alaska Airlines. “The jet is the perfect aircraft to serve Horizon’s regional network in the Pacific Northwest and beyond. Our guests will enjoy a consistent, three-class cabin experience as they travel from smaller communities to catch flights across Alaska’s larger hubs or on one of our many global airline partners.

Horizon will take delivery of nine E175s over the next year as part of a previous order that also includes three deliveries in 2025. With this order by 2026, if not sooner, Horizon will have a fleet of 50 E175s.

Mark Neely, VP Americas, Embraer Commercial Aviation, said, “The E175 is the backbone of the US regional network, feeding airport hubs across the country as well as producing the connectivity all communities need to thrive, both economically and socially. While this market is currently under pressure, it is essential that carriers are able to provide these essential services to the entire United States. The Embraer E175, with 85% market share in its segment, is keeping the US on the move and in touch.”

The Alaska Airlines’ E175 experience:

Seat pitch is 31 inches in the Main Cabin, 34 inches in Premium Class and between 36 and 38 inches in First Class.

All guests flying on the E175 will enjoy a window or aisle seat.

The regional jet is equipped with large overhead bins.

Maximum cruising altitude: 41,000 feet

Typical cruising speed: 494 mph

Billy Bishops' Porter Airlines puts in order for 20 Embraer E195-E2 jets.....

The Canadian regional carrier, Porter Airlines has placed a firm order for 20 Embraer E195-E2 passenger jets, adding to their existing 30 firm orders. Porter will use the E195-E2 to extend its award-winning service to destinations throughout North America. The deal, with a list price value of US$1.56 billion, brings Porter's orders with Embraer to a total of up to 100 E195-E2 aircraft, with 50 firm commitments and 50 purchase rights.

In 2021, Porter ordered 30 Embraer E195-E2 jets, with purchase rights for a further 50 aircraft, worth US$5.82 billion at list price, with all options exercised.

Michael Deluce, President and CEO of Porter Airlines said, "Embraer has a proven aircraft, representing the best of environmental efficiency, operating performance and passenger comfort. We are in final preparations to introduce the E195-E2 to North America, joining other global airlines already benefiting from its use. The aircraft will become core to our fleet, as Porter reshapes passenger expectations for air travel in same way we did over 15 years ago. Announcements are forthcoming that will detail our initial routes, in-flight product and other details."

Arjan Meijer, President and CEO of Embraer Commercial Aviation, said, "Porter Airlines' ambition for growth while delivering an upgraded passenger experience is set to shake up the industry in North America. With 50 E2s now on firm order, Porter is set to make a stunning debut as North American launch customer for the E195-E2. Their commitment today to a further 20 jets, so soon after their first order, demonstrates the unbeatable performance and economics of the E2 family; the quietest and most fuel-efficient aircraft in the segment. The E195-E2 also delivers 25% lower carbon emissions than previous generation aircraft."

Porter Airlines will be the North American launch customer for Embraer's newest family of jets, the E2. Porter's investment is set to disrupt Canadian aviation; enhancing competition, elevating passenger service levels and creating as many as 6,000 new jobs. Porter intends to deploy the E195-E2s to popular business and leisure destinations throughout Canada, the United States, Mexico and the Caribbean, from Ottawa, Montreal, Halifax and Toronto Pearson International Airport.

Porter's first delivery and entry into service is scheduled starting in the second half of 2022. The E195-E2 accommodates between 120 and 146 passengers. Configuration plans for Porter's E2s will be revealed in due course.

Eve announces a Letter of Intent (LOI) for up to 150 eVTOLs from partnership between Embraer and BAE Systems

Eve Holdings, announced today at the Farnborough Airshow a non-binding Letter of Intent ("LOI") with Embraer and BAE Systems to explore the potential order of up to 150 electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicles with the aim of examining the aircraft application for the defence and security market.  In a separate announcement, BAE Systems and Embraer signed a Memorandum of Understanding ("MoU") at Farnborough International Airshow to potentially form a joint venture to collaboratively develop an innovative defence eVTOL variant using Eve's platform.

"Teams from BAE Systems and Embraer will continue working together to explore how the aircraft, designed for the urban mobility market, can provide cost-effective, sustainable, and adaptable capability as a defense variant," said Jackson Schneider, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security.

"Our customers' operating environment is increasingly complex and eVTOL is just one example of how we're looking at emerging technologies, including those from the commercial market. We are exploring how we can adapt these solutions to bring vital operational capability to our customers quickly and at a lower cost - whilst also supporting environmental and sustainability goals," commented Ian Muldowney, Chief Operating Officer of BAE Systems Air.

In December 2021, Embraer and BAE Systems disclosed plans to collaborate on developing Eve's eVTOL as a potential defence variant. This agreement reinforces the trust of the leading aerospace organisations in Eve's vehicle and its adaptability for purposes other than urban air mobility.

Porter Airlines shows expansion ambitions with order for 20 more Embraer E195-E2s jets

The Canadian regional carrier, Porter Airlines has placed a firm order for 20 Embraer E195-E2 passenger jets, adding to their existing 30 firm orders. Porter will use the E195-E2 to extend its award-winning service to destinations throughout North America. The deal, with a list price value of US$1.56 billion, brings Porter's orders with Embraer to a total of up to 100 E195-E2 aircraft, with 50 firm commitments and 50 purchase rights.

In 2021, Porter ordered 30 Embraer E195-E2 jets, with purchase rights for a further 50 aircraft, worth US$5.82 billion at list price, with all options exercised.

Michael Deluce, President and CEO of Porter Airlines said, "Embraer has a proven aircraft, representing the best of environmental efficiency, operating performance and passenger comfort. We are in final preparations to introduce the E195-E2 to North America, joining other global airlines already benefiting from its use. The aircraft will become core to our fleet, as Porter reshapes passenger expectations for air travel in same way we did over 15 years ago. Announcements are forthcoming that will detail our initial routes, in-flight product and other details."

Arjan Meijer, President and CEO of Embraer Commercial Aviation, said, "Porter Airlines' ambition for growth while delivering an upgraded passenger experience is set to shake up the industry in North America. With 50 E2s now on firm order, Porter is set to make a stunning debut as North American launch customer for the E195-E2. Their commitment today to a further 20 jets, so soon after their first order, demonstrates the unbeatable performance and economics of the E2 family; the quietest and most fuel-efficient aircraft in the segment. The E195-E2 also delivers 25% lower carbon emissions than previous generation aircraft."

Porter Airlines will be the North American launch customer for Embraer's newest family of jets, the E2. Porter's investment is set to disrupt Canadian aviation; enhancing competition, elevating passenger service levels and creating as many as 6,000 new jobs. Porter intends to deploy the E195-E2s to popular business and leisure destinations throughout Canada, the United States, Mexico and the Caribbean, from Ottawa, Montreal, Halifax and Toronto Pearson International Airport.

Porter's first delivery and entry into service is scheduled starting in the second half of 2022. The E195-E2 accommodates between 120 and 146 passengers. Configuration plans for Porter's E2s will be revealed in due course.

Cobham continues to grow its fleet of Embraer E190 aircraft

Cobham’s fleet of Embraer E190 aircraft dedicated to charter and fly-in, fly-out (FIFO) flights continues to grow, as the fifth aircraft of this type was welcomed into the fleet last week, arriving in Perth on 17 March.

Cobham’s E190 and Q400 aircraft are a critical link in connecting workers to resource sites in remote locations across Australia. They also provide flexible, bespoke charter flights to city centres, regional towns and domestic holiday destinations.

As demand grows for Cobham’s modern, reliable and comfortable aircraft with greater environmental credentials than most operating within the closed charter market, the company is steadily introducing more aircraft.

Cobham’s Regional Services Managing Director Claude Alviani said “Cobham is committed to providing air travel options with lower carbon emissions for a greener future and we have plans underway to introduce three more modern aircraft to our fleet in the coming months.”

Embraer 190 (E190) facts:

The E190 is one of the most environmentally friendly jets in the world: exceeding the Civil Aviation Organisation’s noise and emission requirements.

Every passenger gets either a window or aisle seat – there is no middle seat.

The wings of the E190 are fitted with winglets, reducing drag and providing increased lift and improved efficiency.

Embraer is the third-largest manufacturer of aeroplanes in the world.

Photo credits thanks to Richard Kreider, instagram @richard.kreider and @lin.aviation

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Embraer displays E195-E2 at Wings India

Embraer’s largest commercial aircraft, the E195-E2 (call sign PR-ZIQ) will be at Wings India 2022 as part of its demonstration tour around India. Showcasing a stunning ‘TechLion’ livery that covers the entire aircraft’s fuselage, this aircraft is the largest member of the new generation E-Jets family, the E-Jets E2, and is designed to seat up to 146 passengers in its signature two by two seating.

“India’s aviation scene is at a turning point and now is the moment for airlines to reposition themselves for sustainable growth,” said Raul Villaron, Asia Pacific Vice-President for Embraer Commercial Aviation. “The E195-E2, offers a low cost per seat, making it very competitive with large narrow-body aircraft that are prevalent in India. It is the perfect aircraft for airlines to tap for the next frontier of growth – connectivity to Tier-II and Tier-III cities.”

According to Embraer’s analysis, even before COVID, 50% of domestic flights in India had between 90 to 150 passengers per flight. This makes the E195-E2’s combination of ideal capacity and low unit cost a compelling platform to connect metro to non-metro and non-metro to non[1]metro cities in India.

The E195-E2, part of Embraer’s E2 family of advanced jets, is dubbed the profit hunter because of its high performance and low fuel burn. It delivers the lowest operating costs and highest yields for airlines, more comfort for passengers and space for their bags, smallest noise footprint and less impact on the environment. It is powered by PW1900G GTF™ engines.

The E195-E2 is operated by several airlines globally including KLM (The Netherlands), Helvetic Airlines (Switzerland), Azul (Brazil), Air Peace (Nigeria) and soon, Porter Airlines (Canada).

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Embraer's Eve forms partnership deal with Acciona for sustainable Urban Air Mobility ecosystem

Eve UAM and Acciona, a global company leader in the provision of regenerative solutions for a decarbonized economy have announced a strategic partnership to accelerate the development of a global and sustainable Urban Air Mobility ecosystem. 

Acciona will invest US$30 million and will join the group of strategic investors that are currently supporting the development of Eve and its business plan. As part of the agreement, José Manuel Entrecanales, Acciona's Chairman and CEO, will become one of the seven members of the Board of Directors after Eve's listing on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), which is expected to happen in the second quarter of 2022.

"Whether we like it or not, the world's population is increasingly concentrating in larger cities. Keeping the climate footprint of these urban areas at bay is one of the greatest challenges of the decarbonization process we are all engaged in," said José Manuel Entrecanales. "Urban air transport models such as the one proposed by Eve can be very useful when considering different sustainable mobility solutions. Participating in a project as innovative as Eve will allow us to continue advancing along that path."

"Our agreement with Acciona reinforces Eve's commitment to delivering a sustainable UAM ecosystem, which includes not only our zero-emission eVTOL - electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicle - but also the green infrastructure that will support this new way of transport. Its capability to build these infrastructures, added to its top credentials in sustainability, bring essential skills and expertise to the business that will help us to maintain our distinction in the market," said André Stein, co-CEO of Eve.

NetJets orders 100 Embraer Phenom 300 series executive jets

Embraer and NetJets, have signed a deal for up to 100 additional aircraft, in excess of $1.2 billion and as part of the deal, NetJets will begin taking delivery of the Phenom 300E in the second quarter of 2023, in both the U.S. and Europe. 

NetJets first signed a purchase agreement with Embraer in 2010, for 50 Phenom 300 executive jets plus up to 75 options. With this new aircraft order, which includes a comprehensive services agreement, NetJets signifies their commitment to an enhanced customer experience and their trust in Embraer’s industry-leading portfolio and customer support network to deliver the ultimate experience to its customers. 

“We are pleased to have signed this significant deal with NetJets, as our strategic partnership has been an integral part of Embraer’s success for over a decade,” said Michael Amalfitano, President & CEO of Embraer Executive Jets. “NetJets is recognized worldwide for the excellence of its operations and for providing an outstanding customer experience, so this continuing deal is an endorsement to the quality of our product and standards in performance, technology, comfort, and support. Embraer and NetJets share the same vision for business aviation, making the Phenom 300 series—the best-selling light jet for nine years in a row—an excellent choice.”

Another Embraer E190 for Cobham

Cobham’s third Embraer 190 aircraft took to the skies for its inaugural passenger flight last week to bolster the regional Australian airline's fleet dedicated to VIP charters and fly-in, fly-out (FIFO) flights in support of Australian mining, oil & gas projects.

As a leading charter and FIFO partner, Cobham has been progressively modernising and expanding its fleet, introducing the E190 jet and Q400 turboprop to provide its clients with greater flexibility of rosters, suitability for paved and unpaved regional aerodromes, increased reliability and low carbon emissions.

“Since we launched our fleet renewal program we have welcomed five new Q400s, with this latest E190 bringing our number of these aircraft types to three,” said Tim Pirga, Cobham’s Business Development Director.

“The Cobham team is hard at work planning the introduction of another two aircraft - a fourth E190 and sixth Q400 - as we countdown to 2022.”

The E190 main cabin provides a step up from established FIFO passenger comfort levels with more space, a wider aisle and 104 seats in 2 x 2 configuration. Service quality is further enhanced by aircraft performance that delivers shorter flight times, full passenger uplift in hot conditions and reliability that ensures minimal disruption to FIFO schedules.

“Continually improving our service delivery is essential to our growth. We are excited to bring the benefits of a modern, flexible aircraft fleet to FIFO clients in Australia,” Tim said.

More top stories you might be interested in.....

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ACIA Aero Leasing has acquired its first Embraer E190

ACIA Aero Leasing has acquired its first Embraer E190 this week the leasing firm confirmed. The E-Jet is joining the lessor’s growing fleet as the company evaluates new opportunities as it expands into new markets.

The aircraft, configured with 12 business and 88 economy seats, will undergo a period of maintenance before being offered to prospective airline customers.

Sameer Adam, ACIA Aero Leasing’s Senior Vice President, Commercial, commented that this acquisition represents “a significant milestone in progressing our fleet growth strategy. It is a launching point for engaging airlines interested in the E190/E195 aircraft specifically designed to crossover regional and mainline operations. It also opens up further opportunities to evaluate other portfolio enhancements, including the prospect of adding the next-generation E-Jet E2 family aircraft.”

“As a lessor with an established customer base in regional markets, we have already seen the tremendous impact of regional aircraft in facilitating the recovery of networks on all continents. We are confident that E-Jets will play a key role in the recovery, particularly in the European and North American markets,” asserted Adam. “The E-Jet provides the right blend of operational versatility and efficiency to meet the demands of certain mainline routes and is a good network development tool for airlines striving to adapt to the post-pandemic environment.”

British Airways extending local flights for winter......

The UK's British Airways has confirmed it is extending three of its newest domestic routes – Exeter, Glasgow and Leeds from Belfast this Winter season.  Customers will also be able to book flights direct to Birmingham as the airline further extends its UK network as domestic travel demand continues to increase.

Following a popular summer of domestic travel, the extended routes will continue to support vital business and leisure links between Northern Ireland and key cities across the UK. The additional services will be operated using BA CityFlyer’s existing fleet of Embraer 190 aircraft.

Flights between Belfast and Birmingham will operate twice daily, increasing to three times a day on Thursday and Friday.  Flights from Belfast to Exeter, Glasgow and Leeds will increase compared to the Summer season at 4, 13 and 10 a week respectively.

The airline has also launched a new route to Salzburg, operating from London City and Southampton. Offering customers a new destination idea for skiing this Winter, flights operate twice a week from London City, on Friday and Saturday from 10 December 2021, and once a week from Southampton, on Saturday from 11 December 2021.  Return fares start from £109 from London City and £75 from Southampton.

Zurich is open for business......

With the news that Switzerland has moved to the UK's Green List, what better time to see the return of Swiss Air Lines to London City Airport for four weekly flights to Zürich. 

Set alongside a stunning lake and framed by alpine mountains, Zürich is a seamless blend of the indoor and outdoor. Stroll around the Old Town, explore the Viadukt and then take a dip in a ‘badi’ or open-air swimming pool, as loved by locals.

For the best views, hop on a train and head towards the mountains, or for the high life of a different kind, take a stroll down Bahnhofstrasse, one of the world’s most expensive shopping streets.  Zürich also loves to party, with an exciting network of bars and clubs open into the small hours and beyond.

Yesterday evening, Thursday 2 September 2021, saw an important debut for city centre airport, as at 1749, an Embraer E190-E2 made its first commercial flight there, The Helvetic Airways aircraft, registered HB-AZG, flew from Zurich to London in 1 hour 20 minutes. Flight LX 456, operated by Helvetic Airways on behalf of its partner company Swiss International Air Lines, was welcomed by a water salute from London City Airport’s fire service. Onboard the sold-out flight were 110 passengers, including representatives of the international media, business travellers and those visiting friends and family.

London City Airport Chief Operating Officer Alison FitzGerald said: "Welcoming Swiss and Helvetic back, and with the newest LCY-capable aircraft, Embraer’s E190-E2, is a significant milestone for London City. It demonstrates how we are collaborating with manufacturers and airlines to introduce more low-emission, low-noise aircraft to our airport, as well as re-establishing a vital business connection which we believe will go from strength to strength as the UK Government begins to further reduce barriers to travel. Our ambition is to be one of the most sustainable airports of our size in Europe, and it is my expectation that we will be welcoming more of these aircraft with more airlines as the industry recovers from COVID-19."

Porter Airlines makes surprise order for up to 80 Embraer E195-E2 aircraft........

The Billy Bishop Toronto airport-based Porter Airlines is extending its wings and going further than ever before, if it can raise the funds for a massive purchase of up to 80 Embraer E195-E2 aircraft.

These jets have a transcontinental range and are scheduled to enter into service with the Canadian air carrier in the second half of 2022. However, these jets are not able to operate out of Porter's home base of the city centre Billy Bishop airport, so the carrier is opening up new bases including at Toronto's main international airport Pearson. That means going head to head with the much larger and stronger Air Canada and WestJet. 

The airline says it will fly the Embraer E195-E2s to popular destinations from Ottawa, Montreal, Halifax as well as Toronto Pearson International Airport. The firm hasn't indicated which destinations will be chosen or from which base yet, but says details of the specific routes will be determined in advance of aircraft deliveries.

The Brazillian made jets accommodate between 120 and 146 passengers and Porter says they will feature a passenger-focused cabin design, emphasizing space and comfort which complements Porter’s traditional service offering.  The configuration resembles the airline's De Havilland Dash-8/Bombardier Q400 aircraft with two seats an aisle and then another two seats, so nobody is stuck in the middle of a row. These aircraft will also have large cabin windows, big overhead bins and mood lighting.

Halo becomes first global provider for private urban air mobility with 200 eVTOL aircraft order from Embraer’s Eve Urban Air Mobility Solutions

Halo, the first global provider for private urban air mobility, has placed a firm order of 200 Eve Urban Air Mobility vehicles, making it the launch customer for this aircraft. The electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft have an expected delivery date in 2026. One hundred of the vehicles will be used for operations in the United States and 100 will operate in the United Kingdom.

Halo becomes Eve’s launch partner in building the world’s first comprehensive urban air mobility system. The order establishes Eve, an independent company formed by Embraer S.A., as the leader in a global eVTOL market that is growing rapidly in response to enthusiasm around sustainability and vertical mobility.

In addition, Halo announced the alignment of U.K.-based Halo Aviation Ltd. (Halo) and U.S.-based Associated Aircraft Group (AAG) under the Halo brand. Both companies had been acquired earlier this year by OneSky Flight, a member of the Directional Aviation family. The alignment ensures consistent service for Halo’s clients travelling in two of the world’s leading global centres of business. In addition, Halo will provide streamlined experiences for world-travelling clients of sister companies in the Directional Aviation family of brands: Flexjet, Sentient Jet, PrivateFly and FXAIR.

You'll be able to feel the Breeze from May 27............new U.S. airline set to launch.

It has been a while in the planning and now a new airline is breezing into operation from a management team that has a rich history and a wealth of knowledge of the aviation and hospitality industries.

Breeze Airways is a new airline that plans to merge technology with kindness and provide a route network between underserved cities across the U.S. at affordable fares. The new startup says seamless booking, no change or cancellation fees and customized flight features delivered via a sleek and simple app is what will set it apart from its competitors.  

The Breeze leadership team is made up of:

David Neeleman, Breeze founder and CEO, is a serial airline entrepreneur. He’s the only person we can think of who has launched four successful airline start-ups (Azul, JetBlue, Westjet and Morris Air) and who, with Breeze, is now on his fifth.

Tom Anderson, Chief Operating Officer, who is leading Breeze’s operations, having worked previously at Azul, Virgin America, JetBlue, Airbus and Boeing.

Lukas Johnson, Chief Commercial Officer, who is overseeing marketing and route strategy, coming to Breeze from Allegiant.

Trent Porter, Chief Financial Officer, who is looking after all things financial, coming to us from Allegiant and US Airways.

John Varley, Chief People Officer and General Counsel, looking after legal and human resources, previously with Virgin America, Delta and ExpressJet.

Amy Curtis-McIntyre, brand management and marketing advisor, formerly at JetBlue, Airbnb, Hyatt and Virgin Atlantic.

Brazilian Air Force and Embraer to collaborate on unmanned aircraft system study.

The Brazilian Air Force (FAB) and aeronautical firm Embraer have inked a deal to work together on a special study into the development of an advanced unmanned aircraft system to meet FAB’s present and future needs.

“This is a unique opportunity for the Brazilian Air Force to deepen its studies in disruptive technologies that may cause an imbalance in current and future scenarios,” stressed the Brazilian Air Force Commander, Lieutenant-Brigadier Carlos de Almeida Baptista Junior. “In modern war, it is essential to use unmanned aerial platforms, operating alone or in conjunction with conventional aircraft. Such technology makes it possible to reduce costs and risks, without losing effectiveness in fulfilling the missions assigned to the Brazilian Air Force.”

Loganair boosts UK regional connectivity with new East Anglia to South West direct air link

The UK’s largest regional airline, Loganair has announced a major step in connecting East Anglia with the South-West of England through the launch of a new air route between Norwich and Exeter.

The service, which starts on 12 July, will operate a four flights per week service across the summer season on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday – moving to Monday and Friday flights from September onwards.

The 70-minute flight on Loganair’s 49-seat Embraer 145 jets represents a much more convenient way to travel than rail connections via London or an exhausting 320-mile road journey, particularly difficult on packed roads during the summer season.

Fares start from £49.99 one-way including all taxes and charges. All Loganair fares include a free checked baggage allowance, and tickets are on sale from today at www.loganair.co.uk.

The service links existing Loganair destinations. Norwich is already served from Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Jersey, and Exeter from Edinburgh, Glasgow and Newcastle.