Air Côte d’Ivoire has signed a firm order for four Embraer E175 aircraft with eight additional purchase rights as part of its fleet modernisation and regional expansion strategy. The aircraft will be configured with 76 seats in a two-class layout – 12 in Business Class and 64 in Economy – offering passengers a comfortable and efficient travel experience. The first E175 jet delivery is scheduled for the first half of 2027, and the deal will be added to Embraer’s Q4 2025 backlog.
Air Côte d’Ivoire will deploy the E175s on domestic and regional routes, supporting the airline’s goal to grow its network, enhance connectivity, and gradually replace its turboprop fleet. The E175 was selected for its greater range, speed, passenger comfort, and increased cargo capacity compared to turboprops – making it the ideal aircraft to support the airline’s evolving operations.
The aircraft will also play a key role in feeding Air Côte d’Ivoire’s hub in Abidjan, increasing frequencies and strengthening regional links. The airline recently launched long-haul service to Paris Charles de Gaulle, and the E175 will help optimize connectivity to and from the hub.
“This order marks a significant step in our fleet development strategy,” said Laurent Loukou, Chief Executive Officer of Air Côte d’Ivoire. “The Embraer E175 is perfectly suited to our domestic and regional ambitions. Its capacity is perfectly adapted to the size of African markets. Its performance and comfort will allow us to offer a superior passenger experience, while supporting our growth and the development of our Abidjan hub. It also enables us to gradually phase out our turboprop fleet and operate more efficiently across our network while improving our economic performance with better operating costs and profitability.”
Arjan Meijer, President and CEO of Embraer Commercial Aviation, commented: “We are honoured to welcome Air Côte d’Ivoire to the E-Jet family. Embraer is firmly established as the market leader in the up to 150 seat segment in Africa, the E175 is a proven performer on the continent and its capabilities are a perfect match for the airline’s vision. This aircraft will bring immediate benefits in terms of connectivity, efficiency, and passenger satisfaction, and we look forward to supporting Air Côte d’Ivoire as they expand their network and strengthen their position in the region.”
Currently, Embraer has 250 aircraft in operation, across 56 different African operators. Over the past 10 years, Embraer’s fleet in Africa has grown at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.5%. As a result, Embraer now leads the market in Africa for aircraft with up to 150 seats, holding a 31% market share.
Helvetic Airways expands Embraer E2 fleet
The Swiss Airline Helvetic Airways has placed a new firm order for three Embraer E195-E2 aircraft, with five additional purchase rights, reinforcing the Swiss carrier’s commitment to modern and sustainable aviation. The first aircraft is scheduled for delivery at the end of 2026. Each E195-E2 will be configured with 134 seats in a single-class layout, featuring modern Recaro seating, offering passengers comfort and efficiency. This latest order will enable Helvetic Airways to grow its E2 fleet from 12 to up to 20 aircraft in the coming years, strengthening its position as a leading European operator of Embraer’s advanced E-Jet family.
“We are proud to deepen our partnership with Embraer through this further order for the E2,” said Tobias Pogorevc, CEO of Helvetic Airways. “The E195-E2 is the ideal aircraft for our network, offering exceptional fuel efficiency, low noise emissions, and a high-quality passenger experience. This order supports our modern fleet strategy and sustainability goals while maintaining operational flexibility across Europe. It will also enhance our ability to serve various European customers through our ACMI operations.”
Arjan Meijer, President and CEO of Embraer Commercial Aviation, added: “Helvetic Airways continues to demonstrate the versatility and value of the E2 family in European operations. Their decision to expand the E195-E2 fleet is a strong endorsement of the aircraft’s performance, economics, and environmental credentials. We’re proud to support Helvetic’s growth and their role in delivering reliable, efficient service in their main area of wet-lease operations.”
Helvetic Airways first ordered the E2 in 2018, with a firm order for 12 E190-E2s, including conversions rights to the E195-E2. The airline currently operates:
- Eight E190-E2s
- Four E195-E2s
- Four E190s
- Four E195s
The E2 jets are deployed across Helvetic’s scheduled, charter, and wet-lease operations. The airline was also the first to operate the E190-E2 and the E195-E2 E2 aircraft into London City Airport for Swiss International Air Lines, showcasing the aircraft’s steep approach capability and quiet performance.
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