Embraer has announced key developments with two long-standing partners, Regional One and Airlink, underscoring its growing presence in both cargo and passenger aircraft markets.
Regional One, Inc. has expanded its partnership with Embraer by doubling its existing passenger-to-freight (P2F) conversion order from two to four E190-based freighters. This move highlights Regional One’s continued investment in cargo capability through Embraer’s E-Freighter programme, which offers enhanced performance, flexibility, and cost-efficiency for freight operations.
The collaboration first began in 2022, when Regional One placed its initial order for two conversions. In a related announcement, Bridges Air Cargo has been confirmed as the launch operator of the E-Freighter, becoming Regional One’s first customer to operate the E190F. The first of two aircraft is expected to enter service with Bridges in the third quarter of 2025.
In a separate development, Airlink—Southern Africa’s largest privately-owned airline—is set to lease ten new Embraer E195-E2 passenger aircraft from US-based lessor Azorra. Deliveries are scheduled to begin later this year, continuing through to 2027, and will be sourced from Embraer’s facilities in Brazil.
The new aircraft, configured with 136 and 124 seats, are projected to deliver fuel savings of up to 29 percent compared to Airlink’s current first-generation E195s. These efficiencies are expected to reduce emissions and operating costs across Airlink’s extensive network, which spans 45 destinations in 15 countries, including remote regions such as Madagascar and St Helena Island.
Both agreements reinforce Embraer’s dual role in advancing sustainable passenger operations and modernising air cargo solutions.
