Embraer has announced today, at the Dubai Air Show, that Nigeria’s Overland Airways has made a firm order for three new E175 aircraft , plus purchase rights for three of the same model of aircraft.
The 88-seat aircraft, will be configured with premium class cabin, and deliveries will begin from 2023 with the deal valued at USD 299.4 million, at list price with all purchase rights being exercised.
These aircraft will increase the domestic flights and allow the airline to expand to more regional routes. The president and CEO of Overland Airways, Capt. Edward Boyo, said, “we are confident that this is the right moment to invest, as regional aviation is on an optimistic post-pandemic recovery. Our customers will really enjoy all comfort in the E175, and we appreciate our partnership with Embraer.”
This is also a significant boost for Brazilian planemaker as it sets its ground In Africa, with currently over 40 Embraer jets in operation with 11 operators, flying under colors of some of the region’s most prominent airlines including Kenya Airways, Egyptair, LAM Mozambique, South African Airlink or Air Nigeria.
Cesar Pereira, Vice-president for Europe, Middle East and Africa, Embraer Commercial Aviation said, “we are proud of this partnership with Overland and to support their regional expansion. We are seeing growing long-term demand for rightsized aircraft to deliver profitable domestic connections in Nigeria.”
The company developed a new category of airliners – E-Jets – to satisfy the growing need for airlines to right-size their fleets and open new markets with 70 to 120-seat aircraft.
Overland Airways operates from Nigeria across West Africa providing scheduled and charter flight services.
The Airline commenced flights in 2002 with the aim of increasing the prosperity of the Nigerian hinterland by providing seamless and reliable air transportation of business and leisure travelers and interconnecting hub cities and remote economies.
The Airline is IOSA (IATA Operational Safety Audit) certified, and Member of the International Air Transport Association (IATA)‚ the association of leading global airlines that control over 83% of scheduled global traffic.
By Victor Shalton Odhiambo
