Embraer and commercial aviation lessor Azorra have signed a new eight-aircraft deal with Royal Jordanian Airlines, Jordan’s flag carrier. The agreement will see the introduction of both the E190-E2 and E195-E2 to the airline’s fleet. Aircraft deliveries are expected to begin in Q4 2023.
The agreement covers eight commercial aircraft, four E190-E2 and four E195-E2, with a list price value of US$635 million (£508 million). Six aircraft, four E190-E2 and two E195-E2 come from Azorra’s existing backlog with Embraer. Two further E195-E2s are firm orders with Embraer directly from the airline, which were added to Embraer’s Q4 2022 backlog as ‘undisclosed’.
Building on the announcement made by Royal Jordanian Airlines (RJ) in October last year, in which the airline revealed its plans to expand its fleet with new-generation aircraft, E2 was specifically chosen for its superior performance and operational efficiency. The aircraft is aligned with RJ’s strategic goals to renew and grow the fleet that is deployed to destinations within the Levant. The airline’s strategic plan is to further boost RJ’s position as the preferred airline in the region by offering improved connectivity to a wider network, positioning Amman as the leading gateway to the Levant.
The Royal Jordanian E195-E2s will seat 12 passengers in Crown Class and 108 in Economy. The smaller E190-E2 will have the same number of crown-class seats and 80 in Economy. All aircraft feature Embraer’s signature ‘no middle seat’ 2×2 seating and business-class seats with a 53-inch legroom. The economy cabin will feature new slimline seats, also in a four-abreast configuration with no middle seat. The aircraft also features extra-large overhead bins, mood lighting, leather seats and wireless connectivity for entertainment in addition to full internet browsing and communication capability with ground networks during flight.
