MUSCAT, OMAN — Oman's low-cost airline SalamAir has signed a firm order with the Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer for six Embraer E195-E2s, with options for a further six jets of the same type. The E195-E2, the Brazilian planemaker's largest and newest jet, will be fitted with a 135-seat comfortable dual-class configuration.
The planes are expected to SalamAir's fleet at the end of 2023. The deal, which will be added to the Q3 backlog, is valued at US$934.6 million, at the list price if all options are exercised.
With this order, SalamAir became one of the first airlines to operate the type in the MENA region with Royal Jordanian. Royal Jordan has recently placed an order for ten E190-E2 and E195-E2 jets. SalamAir plans to put E2 jets at the core of its fleet growth strategy.
"Embraer's E2s represent the best environmental efficiency, operating performance, and passenger comfort. The aircraft's sophisticated aerodynamics, novel wing design, and new technologies enable its exceptional energy efficiency. These aircraft are perfect for the next frontier of our growth,"
Captain Mohamed Ahmed, CEO of SalamAir, said
"It's great to be growing in the Middle East, a region that has often focused on long-haul travel. For Embraer, it is also important to see a pioneering low-cost carrier like SalamAir recognize the value that E-Jets deliver in the LCC scenario, complementing larger narrowbodies to grow and maintain networks,"
Arjan Meijer, President and CEO Embraer Commercial Aviation, added.
SalamAir's new E195-E2s will complement the 8 Airbus A320neo Family aircraft (6 A320neo, 2 A321neo) in the fleet and will allow the airline to open new routes the local and regional cities and increase its frequency to these destinations due to its fuel efficiency and capacity. The new planes will be used on domestic flights initially, including the four oil fields and four international airports within Oman. As the airline receives more aircraft, they will also be deployed on routes to neighboring countries.
