A Helvetic Airways E190-E2 touched down at London City Airport at 17:45 yesterday, marking the first scheduled service of an E-Jet E2 at LCY. Helvetic flight LX464 departed Zürich at 17:05 for the one hour and forty-minute trip. The London City Airport Authority welcomed the aircraft with a water cannon salute.

The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) certified the E190-E2 for Steep Approach operations at LCY in May.

The flight between the two global financial capitals represents new efficiencies and opportunities for airlines. The E190-E2 burns 17% less fuel and generates fewer emissions than its predecessor. That’s welcome news for carriers and the community surrounding LCY that will appreciate the E2’s 63% smaller takeoff noise footprint. The E190-E2 is the only new-generation jet operating at LCY certified to ICAO’s strict Chapter 14 regulation.

LCY’s prime location has always appealed to time-sensitive business travelers who appreciate quick access to central London. Today, the airport serves more short-haul destinations across continental Europe than ever before. The E190-E2 allows carriers to launch service to even more markets. Its 4,000 km range from LCY is nearly double that of the E190. Nonstop flights between LCY and far away cities like Istanbul, Casablanca and Moscow are now possible.

Yesterday’s historic Helvetic flight has opened up a whole new world of possibilities for London travelers.

Helvetic LCY