Avelo Airlines has put in an order with Embraer for 50 E195-E2 to be delivered in the 1st half of 2027. They also have the option to purchase an additional 50.
In a surprise announcement, Avelo Airlines will be adding the Embraer 195-E2 to its fleet. The airline placed an order with the Brazilian manufacturer initially for 50 aircraft with an option for 50 more. Deliveries are expected to roll out by 2027.
Right now, Avelo operates using a fleet of Boeing 737-700s and 800s. These airframes were built in the early 2000s and show their age compared to Boeing’s latest version of the 737, the Max series.
The Embraer 195-E2, which started commercial service a few years ago, is a much more modern alternative. It features a 2×2 seating layout, larger overhead bins, and from a performance standpoint, improved fuel efficiency.
For Avelo, their biggest selling point for the Embraer 195 E2 was the short field takeoff capability. The aircraft’s powerful engines make it a great option for airports with shorter runways or challenging approach and departure procedures. The engines are the same ones found on the Airbus A320neo class of aircraft.
By Avelo adding the E2, the airline can open up their route network to new destinations and markets they previously couldn’t serve.
Avelo CEO Andrew Levy said, “We are thrilled to partner with Embraer and bring this best-in-class small narrowbody airplane to the United States marketplace… The airline industry in the United States is evolving, and the E2 fits perfectly with our vision for Avelo’s unique role in that evolution.”
Speaking for ourselves, this announcement must have caught many by surprise. The E2 isn’t a new aircraft, but almost no one expected to see it operated by a U.S. air carrier. The only airline in North America currently flying the E2 is Canada’s Porter Airlines, where it’s been an excellent addition.
Here in the U.S, the E2 struggled to find a role. It’s too large for regional carriers who are restricted by the scope clause, but it’s too small for the mainline airlines to commit to. They rather opt to fly the Boeing 737 or Airbus A320 class of planes. That’s why this move by Avelo is so unexpected.
Competitors Modernize Their Fleets
Other low cost carriers have been modernizing their fleets as of late. Frontier always flies the newest Airbus jets, Allegiant is bringing in Boeing 737 Max 8s and Sun Country is preparing to start service with 737-900ERs.
Breeze Airways, an airline founded around the same time as Avelo already flies a fleet of Airbus A220s after sunsetting their older Embraer 190/195s. Adding the E2 for Avelo is a bold step to remain competitive from a fleet standpoint.
The timing couldn’t have been any better for Avelo. Avelo has faced lots of turbulence surrounding its role in deportation flights. They also had weak ticket sales on the West Coast which led the airline into withdrawing from that market and focusing on the East Coast.
The E2 will fit well into Avelo’s newly focused East Coast market. There are plenty of small destinations spread throughout the region looking for ultra low cost options from their local airports.
Now armed with a modern cabin, expanded network options, and improved efficiency, Avelo’s upgrade to the Embraer 195-E2 positions the airline as a stronger competitor in the ULCC space.
