UK regional carrier Flybe is to start taking delivery of its newly-ordered Embraer 175 aircraft in September next year, while the firm part of the deal, for 35 jets, will be completed in March 2017.
Flybe is taking up to 140 Embraer jets which will allow the carrier - which already operates the Embraer 195 and Bombardier Q400 - to expand while essentially retaining a two-type fleet.
The airline disclosed the agreement during the Farnborough Air Show and says the expansion "provides a platform" for the airline to extend its operation into continental Europe.
Chief executive Jim French says the 175 is "particularly suited" to the sector lengths in Europe which the carrier is most interested in operating.
"In short it perfectly fits the Flybe business model," he adds.
Flybe adds that the decision to acquire the 175 meets the airline's environmental criteria and its requirements for passenger comfort.
Source: Air Transport Intelligence news
