Regional carrier Airlink has signed a lease agreement with Azorra, a lease, finance, and asset management firm, to acquire 10 E195-E2 aircraft, with delivery expected to start later in the year and conclude in 2027. This agreement was announced as ‘in-progress’ at the Paris Air Show 2025.
“It is an exciting and daunting moment for Airlink,” said Airlink CEO, de Villiers Engelbrecht. “Exciting because it heralds the next phase of Airlink’s development and growth as the leading regional airline in Southern Africa and now possibly beyond. Daunting, as there is a lot to do in the weeks ahead before the first aircraft enters service, hopefully in December this year, but I have no doubt that the Airlink team will deliver, as they always do.”
“This is an exciting step forward in our partnership with Airlink,” commented John Evans, CEO at Azorra. “The addition of the E195-E2 to their fleet highlights our shared commitment to operational efficiency, sustainable growth, and increased capacity and service. We’re proud to work alongside Embraer and Pratt & Whitney to bring next-generation aircraft to Airlink, supporting enhanced connectivity across Africa.”
“We are proud to deepen our long-standing partnership with Airlink as it takes this next step into the future with the E195-E2,” added Arjan Meijer, President and CEO Embraer Commercial Aviation. “This aircraft is the most efficient single-aisle jet in its class and perfectly suited to support Airlink’s ambitious growth plans across Southern Africa. We look forward to seeing the E2 in Airlink’s livery, delivering unmatched performance, comfort, and sustainability.”
Airlink operates across Southern Africa with a fleet of 68 Embraer aircraft.
Photo: Embraer
