Azul Linhas Aéreas Brasileiras S.A. is nearly doubling its order for E195-E2s. The Brazilian airline signed a Letter of Intent for 21 E195-E2s at the Farnborough Airshow today. When the LOI is converted to a formal contract, Azul will have 51 E2s. The carrier placed an order for 30 E2s in 2015.

Azul is the launch operator of the E195-E2 and will receive its first airplane next year.

According Azul CEO John Rodgerson, the airline will begin phasing out half of its first-generation E-Jets within the next five years. “This new order ensures the replacement of these aircraft by fuel-efficient new-generation aircraft, contributing to the continuous reduction of our unit costs.”

Azul orders more E2s

Azul is Brazil’s first, true low-cost, low-fare airline. Since it acquired its first E-Jet in 2008, its network has grown to 106 cities, the biggest of any Brazilian carrier. Azul currently flies some 70 E190s and E195s.