Binter Canarias is scheduled receive its first example of the under-development Embraer 195-E2 during the second half of 2019, making the Spanish carrier the type's initial European operator.
The Gran Canaria-based airline says it signed on 9 November a financing agreement with five Spanish banks – Banco Sabadell, Bankia, BBVA, Caixabank and Santander – for the fleet expansion programme.
Binter will invest more than $342 million in the purchase of the aircraft, it says.
Embraer had previously disclosed that Binter would acquire three E195-E2s and have purchase rights for another two of the type.
The deal additionally covers provision of replacement engines, equipment, staff training and spare parts.
Binter says the programme is an “important economic effort” for its business and will improve connectivity between the Canary Islands and international destinations.
The new aircraft – which will be fitted with 132 seats in a single-class layout – will enable Binter to “continue advancing in its expansion in Africa”, the carrier adds.
Flight Fleets Analyzer shows that Binter has a total of 20 ATR 72-600s and -500s, and four Bombardier CRJ1000s.
Two of the regional jets belong to Spanish carrier Air Nostrum.
Embraer Commercial Aviation vice-president, Europe, Russia & Central Asia Martyn Holmes asserts that the E195-E2s “will provide greater operational flexibility with more seats, more range and unmatched passenger comfort, with lower operating costs” than the CRJs.
Vice-president Rodolfo Núñez describes the E195-E2 as “the ideal aircraft model for our operations”.
The E195-E2 is the second model of Embraer’s programme to re-engine and re-wing its E-Jet series, and is scheduled for certification in 2019.
Brazilian carrier Azul is will be the type’s launch operator.
Source: Cirium Dashboard
