Embraer signed two new sales contracts for E175 jets on Wednesday that are related to Alaska Airlines, one of the largest airlines in the United States.
Together, the two orders include 17 new E175s that will be operated by Alaska from 2022. Nine of these planes are part of the conversion of options into firm orders by Horizon Air, the carrier’s subsidiary.
The remaining eight jets were ordered by SkyWest, the E175’s largest customer and which is a regional airline that provides services to several airlines, including Alaska.
All new E175s will receive livery from Alaska and will be configured with 76 seats in three classes – 12 in the first class cabin, 12 premium seats and 52 seats in the main cabin.
With the new orders, Horizon Air will have a fleet of 42 Embraer planes while SkyWest will reach a total of 40 E-Jets dedicated to the Alaska Airlines flight network.
“We have navigated through the pandemic and we’re on a solid path to recovery. The E175 remains a key part of our strategy,” said Nat Pieper, Alaska Airlines senior vice president of fleet, finance and alliances.
According to Embraer, the E175 has a market share of 86% in the 70-90 seat segment in North America, with 601 net orders (613 considering the new agreements). The fleet of the most popular commercial jet of the Brazilian airframer has 588 units between carriers from the USA and Canada.
