Swiss Airline Helvetic Finishes Its Embraer Fleet Replacement

Helvetic Airways has completed its ambitious fleet renewal project, with the final E195-E2 touching down in Switzerland on Sunday. The airline is currently the largest operator of the next generation Embraer jet, with eight E190-E2s and four E195-E2s in its fleet.

Helvetic E195-E2
Helvetic’s E2 deliveries are complete. Photo: Helvetic Airways

The final E195-E2 has landed

Helvetic Airways achieved a world first in late June when it took delivery of its first E195-E2. With this delivery, the Swiss airline became the first in the world to operate both variants of the E2, adding the larger 195 to its existing fleet of eight E190-E2s.

At the time, the airline said that it would be rapidly wrapping up its outstanding deliveries for the E195-E2, of which it had ordered a total of four. It seems Embraer did not disappoint, as the airline has confirmed that it has now completed its fleet renewal, and that all four E195s have arrived in Zurich.

Helvetic E195-E2
It was a long trip for the final E2. Photo: Helvetic Airways

On Sunday, August 15th, the final E195-E2 was handed over to Helvetic. This became the 12th E2 jet to fly for the airline, and the final new aircraft to complete the process of renewing its fleet. The aircraft carries the registration HB-AZL, and made its way from Embraer’s headquarters in São José dos Campos in Brazil on Saturday.

Despite having an impressive range for a regional jet, the E2, of course, had to make some stops on route. Helvetic states that it paused in Natal and Las Palmas, before touching down in Switzerland just after 17:00 on Sunday. All in, the delivery flight took AZL some 11 and a half hours to complete.

Helvetic E195-E2
With this delivery, the airline has completed its ambitious fleet renewal project. Photo: Helvetic Airways

Hevetic’s CEO Tobias Pogorevc expressed his appreciation for his own team and the team at Embraer for the on-schedule completion of this ambitious fleet renewal project, saying,

“I would like to congratulate our own people and everyone at our partner Embraer on the successful and on schedule conclusion of what has been the biggest project in our company’s history.”

The Helvetic Airways fleet now stands at 16 aircraft in total. That includes its eight E190-E2s with capacity for 110 passengers each, its four E195-E2s flying 134 passengers each, and four previous generation E190s. The airline states that the E2s will be the backbone of its fleet, with the original E-Jets providing backup capacity for its operations.

Helvetic fleet
The airline has taken 12 new aircraft in 22 months. Photo: Helvetic Airways

The perfect post-pandemic plane

Helvetic has not been shy with its complements for the E2. Speaking previously with Simple Flying, the airline said that the type was performing even better than expected in terms of fuel consumption and carbon emissions. The CEO continues to be impressed by the technology and efficiency of the new generation Embraer jets, stating that,

“We are very satisfied with our new Embraer fleet. They perfectly meet our needs in terms of their capacity, their range and their environmental credentials, which are all among our prime priorities. And we’re very proud that we now operate Europe’s quietest and most eco-friendly regional aircraft fleet.”

Helvetic E195-E2
Helvetic is the largest operator of the E2, for now. Photo: Helvetic Airways

With its fleet of 12 E2s, Helvetic has become the largest operator of the E2 jet in the world. However, it won’t hold this crown for long as there are large orders in place from airlines, including Azul, KLM, and Porter Airlines. The airline does have purchase options for a further 12 E2 aircraft in place, but doesn’t foresee the exercising of these options in the near future.



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