FLYBE, Europe’s largest regional airline, has announced a multi-million pound deal to purchase up to 140 new aircraft.
The airline, the largest in terms of air traffic movements at both Birmingham and Manchester airports, has selected the Embraer 175 and E-family aircraft to fulfil its needs.
The deal breaks down as a commitment to 35 E175 aircraft with an option on a further 65 plus a further 40 purchase options.
Flybe said it needed the extra capacity in order to support its planned expansion across Europe.
Since its creation in 2002, Flybe has grown to become Europe’s largest regional airline and the UK’s largest domestic airline.
The company has said it is committed to measured and consistent growth over the next decade, mainly through expansion into Western Europe.
The first aircraft will be delivered in September 2011 with the final scheduled delivery on the ‘firm’ orders set for March 2017.
Jim French, Flybe chairman and chief executive, said: “Flybe is delighted to announce this significant $1.3bn order. In doing so, we are securing an aircraft that fits with our stated aim of furthering our position as the leading regional airline in Europe.
“The 175 will allow us to preserve our two fleet strategy and the economic and environmental performance of the aircraft is in line with Flybe’s policy of only buying A and B rated eco-label aircraft as part of its commitment to invest in lower emission new technology aircraft.”
Mr French continued: “The 175 will give Flybe significant added capacity and is particularly suited to the sector lengths prevalent in Europe that we are most interested in exploiting. In short, it perfectly fits the Flybe business model and we are delighted to be extending our long-running partnership with Embraer.”
He said the airline had enjoyed a close working relationship with Embraer since it became the world’s launch customer for the 195 aircraft.
“The 195 has been a superb addition to the fleet with outstanding reliability and performance,” he added.
