Embraer has disclosed a firm order from Congo Airways for two E175s.
The African carrier has also taken options on a further two of the jets, says Embraer, which puts the list-price value of the four-unit deal at $194.4 million.
Congo Airways’ chief executive Desire Bantu states that the aircraft will enable it to replace its turboprops offering and operate routes within its home country Democratic Republic of Congo and to West, Central, and Southern Africa from its Kinshasa hub.
“We will now have the flexibility and the right-sized aircraft to serve our market, which is growing so rapidly an additional order may be required, for which the E2 is a particularly compelling option,” notes Bantu.
Established in 2014, Congo Airways currently operates two Airbus A320 narrowbodies and two Bombardier Q400 turboprops, Cirium fleets data shows.
The E175s will be configured in a dual-class layout, seating a total of 76 passengers, including 12 in business class. Deliveries will begin in the fourth quarter of 2020.
“It’s great to welcome another airline to the Embraer family of operators, especially in Africa where the demand for regional travel is growing strongly,” states Embraer regional vice-president for sales Raul Villaron. “We look forward to supporting Congo Airways as they continue to upgrade their offering to their customers.”
The Brazilian airframer notes that its E-Jets programme has logged more than 1,800 orders and 1,500 aircraft deliverie
