Republic Airways firms up order for 100 Embraer E175

Computer rendering of a Republic Airways E175. Photo: © Embraer

American regional airline Republic Airways has placed an order for 100 Embraer E175 aircraft.

After announcing a Letter of Intent (LoI) for 100 Embraer E175 aircraft at the Farnborough International Airshow earlier this year, Republic Airways has disclosed that this LoI has been firmed up. This includes options for another 100 aircraft of the type and the right to convert the order to the advanced E175-E2. The deal is worth nearly $3 billion according to list prices but is likely below that amount, as airplane manufacturers usually give big discounts for large orders.

Republic Airways is the world’s largest operator of E-Jets and has over 180 of the type in service, operating in wet-lease agreements for American Airlines, United Airlines and Delta Air Lines. CEO Bryan Bedford said in a statement that the airline in keen on “growth opportunities we see developing over the next five years, as more than 300 regional aircraft flown by our competitors reach their natural expiry“.

The optioned switch to the improved E175-E2 is subject to scope clauses in the US which limit the amount of regional jets which can be operated under an airline’s brand but the aircraft currently is too heavy to be operated under such clauses. However, all above mentioned airlines will re-negotiate their respective clauses in the coming years and the E175-E2 will likely be a subject of these negotiations.

Read more: Azul, Air Kiribati sign firm orders for Embraer E2 aircraft

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