US Airways has firmed up a deal with Embraer that will see it acquiring 99-seat E-190 regional jets.
The following article first appeared on Air Transport Intelligence, an online business intelligence service for the air transport industry with 24 hour news and data available to subscribers.
The Star Alliance carrier says in a statement that it has reached agreement with Embraer on the deal, which covers the conversion of unfilled E-170 orders into those for the larger aircraft. "Under this agreement, the previous 57 undelivered Embraer 170s will be converted into 25 firm Embraer 190 aircraft and
32 additional firm Embraer 190 aircraft that are subject to reconfirmation by US Airways," says the airline. "The amendment also includes up to 50 options to other aircraft in the Embraer 170/190 family. Deliveries will resume in November 2006."
US Airways says the new aircraft will be configured with 11 first class and 88 economy class seats. It adds that the new agreement is subject to bankruptcy court approval.
The airline, which merged late last year with America West Airlines through a deal that helped it emerge from Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, confirms the aircraft will be flown "with US Airways mainline pilots and flight attendants".
US Airways has been considering an E-190 order for some time and originally wanted to have other carriers operating the aircraft on its behalf. However as part of a deal reached with the Air Line Pilots Association units of both US Airways and America West, the enlarged airline will not be able to contract E-190 flying to regional affiliates.
Source: Flight International
