Embraer has received a boost in its efforts to expand its market presence in the Middle East with a firm order from Oman’s SalamAir for six E195-E2s, the Brazilian manufacturer said on Thursday.
An option for another six of Embraer’s biggest jets accompanied the first order; Embraer values the contract at $934.6 billion at list prices if SalamAir exercises its options. Plans call for Embraer to deliver the airplanes, ordered in a dual-class configuration with 135 seats, beginning at the end of 2023.
The E195-E2s will provide a platform to complement SalamAir’s 10 Airbus A320-family passenger jets and single A321 freighter, increase frequencies, and develop new markets and city pairs. The airline plans to initially fly the airplanes in domestic markets, including the four oil fields and four international airports in Oman. Later, as its E195-E2 fleet reaches critical mass, it expects to launch international services to and from neighboring countries not yet connected to Oman.
“The aircraft will grow to be a core part of our fleet portfolio,” said SalamAir CEO Mohamed Ahmed. “These aircraft are perfect for the next frontier of our growth. They will allow the airline to open new local and regional cities and increase its frequency to these destinations due to its fuel efficiency and capacity, which suits the needs of these markets.