Story ID: 697Embraer
Azul Adds E-Jets
By: Neelam Mathews
Caption: 
Word Count: 180
Azul (full name Azul Linhas Aereas Brasileiras) has confirmed options for 10 Embraer 195 jets valued at $478 million at list prices, close on the heels of ordering 11 only four months ago. This takes the total airplanes ordered by the Brazilian low-cost carrier to 62 (57 E195s and five E190s). A smaller order for two Embraer E-175, placed by Belavia of Minsk (in Belarus), was also announced.

“By August or September this year, we will have delivered 900 of the 1,051 orders,” said Paulo Cesar de Souza e Silva, president of Embraer Commercial Aviation. “For the first time last year, leasing companies bought jets that are not Airbus or Boeing. This is very meaningful. Lessors are important to us as they provide access to get flexibility when finance is not available,” said Silva. He added, “[I] don’t believe any other regional manufacturer has so many orders from leasing companies.”

David Neeleman, owner of Azul, said in a statement that the new purchase reinforced the company’s link with the manufacturer since “it involves a fleet expansion plan for 2015.”