Porter Airlines took the delivery of first two E195-E2 at Embraer headquarters in Brazil. With this order, Porter has become the launch customer for Embraer E195-E2 as it plans on expanding commercial operations throughout North America, including to the west coast, southern US, Mexico and the Caribbean.
The aircraft will initially be deployed from Toronto Pearson International Airport, with services extending to Halifax, Montreal and Ottawa with another three aircraft deliveries expected in a run up to the new year.
“Marking a new era for Porter the new E195-E2 will enable the airline to search across the continent and beyond its East Canadian roots,” said Michael Deluce, president and CEO, Porter Airlines. “The aircraft will introduce a level of service for economy air travellers that no other North American airline provides. It’s an enhanced experience that builds on our reputation for providing an elevated level of service to every passenger at reasonable prices in a single class of service. The first planes are ready to fly to Canada later this month before going into regular service in February.”
This is the first of 30 aircraft selected in 2021, with an additional 20 selected in 2022. Combined with 50 purchase rights, the airline has committed to up to 100 E195-E2 aircraft valued at US$1.56bn. The aircraft has 146-seat configuration with 132-all economy seats. Besides Porter has also given the customers an option to choose from 36, 34 and 30 inches of seat pitches.
Arjan Meijer, president and CEO, Embraer Commercial Aviation, said, “Porter is focused on delivering what we all want – making the air travel experience a pleasure. Along with their exciting levels of service and generosity, Porter’s entire fleet is also without the dreaded middle seat, and will also satisfy the sustainability needs of Porter’s guests. E195-E2 is the most sustainable single-aisle aircraft, at 65% quieter and up to 25% cleaner than previous-generation aircraft. It has the lowest fuel consumption per seat and per trip among 120 to 150 seat aircraft, and is the quietest single-aisle jet flying today.”
The E195-E2 aircraft is powered exclusively by Pratt & Whitney’s GTF engines. Apart from the engines the aircraft features technologies and products from Pratt & Whitney and Collins Aerospace like nacelles, controls, accessories, wheels, brakes and APS2600 auxiliary power unit.
“Our turboprop engines powered Porter Airlines’ first commercial flight, and we believe the GTF engine is integral to their future growth with larger, longer-range E195-E2 aircraft,” said Rick Deurloo, Commercial Engines president at Pratt & Whitney.
Porter Airlines currently operated within Eastern Canada and to the United States. The airline also operates a fleet of de Havilland Dash 8-400 aircraft powered by PW150A turboprop engines.