Today, Embraer delivered the first of four E195-E2s on order by Helvetic Airways of Switzerland. The carrier will receive three more of the aircraft type by the end of July 2021.
On Wednesday (June 23, 2021), Embraer announced the delivery of the first of four Embraer E195-E2s on order by Helvetic Airways of Switzerland, with the remaining three to be delivered by the end of July 2021. Originally, Helvetic ordered 12 E-Jets in 2018 and has received eight E190-E2s to date and by the end of next month will have received four E195-E2s, which were converted from previously ordered E190-E2s. The airline also holds purchase options for an additional 12 aircraft. Helvetic’s fleet incudes four previous generation E190s, expanding their fleet of Embraer E-Jets to 16 by the end of July.
In Wednesday’s delivery media conference, Helvetic Airways’ CEO, Tobias Pogorevc, said,
“With the delivery of the first of our four new Embraer E195-E2s, our fleet renewal is on plan to be completed by the end of July. The structural changes in the demand for air travel that have emerged in recent months vindicate the strategic choices we made back in 2018. With Embraer we have both the right types of aircraft and the right industry partner. Helvetic Airways now operates an optimal fleet mix in terms of capacity and sustainability. And as one of the leading E-Jet E2 operators in the world, Helvetic Airways will now be able to further strengthen its role as a Swiss airline in the European sky.”
Helvetic Airways' New Embraer E195-E2 - Photos Courtesy of Embraer
Also speaking at the delivery event, which was broadcast to Helvetic Airways’ employees in Europe, Embraer Commercial Aviation’s President and CEO, Arjan Meijer, said,
“With the new E195-E2, Helvetic builds on its reputation as one of the most environmentally committed airlines in Europe. Not only does the aircraft burn 25% less fuel than its predecessor, its noise footprint is 65% smaller. The E2s are great news for communities near airports.”
Helvetic Airways’ Embraer fleet provides maximum flexibility with 134-seat E195-E2s, 110-seat E190-E2s and 112-seat E190s. E-jet operators also benefit from a common crew type rating, allowing the seamless deployment of different sized models to satisfy varying demand. Pilots flying first generation E-Jets only need to complete a 3.5 day training course to be qualified on E2s, and no simulator training is required.
Compared to previous generation E195, the E2 offers a 25 percent reduction in fuel burn per seat, saving nearly 3000 tons of CO2 per year, as well as 30 percent less nitrogen oxide (NOX) emissions. The aircraft is also certified to ICAO’s Chapter 14, the most stringent noise certification category, and delivers a reduced noise footprint thanks to complex aerodynamics, an innovative wing design and the latest generation Pratt & Whitney engines. Embraer’s E195-E2 jets are also in service with KLM Cityhopper, Azul, Binter, Air Peace and Belavia.
Based in Zurich, Switzerland, Helvetic Airways offers a variety of short and medium-haul flights to popular domestic and European destinations. The airline uses their fleet for scheduled, wet-lease and charter flights and currently operates eight Embraer E190s on behalf of partner SWISS International Air Lines under a long-term wet-lease agreement. The company has 450 employees and operates its own maintenance hangar at Zurich Airport. Helvetic Airways has worked closely with Horizon Swiss Flight Academy since 2008 which is based in Kloten, Switzerland, to develop aviation talent. Both Helvetic Airways and Horizon Swiss Flight Academy are subsidiaries of the Helvetic Airways Group, which is domiciled in Freienbach, Switzerland.
Source(s): Embraer, Helvetic Airways