Ever since the first E-Jet entered revenue service in 2004 with LOT Polish Airlines, the aircraft have been changing the way people fly by offering passengers more choices to go where they want, when they want. Around the world, airlines have discovered the versatility of the airplanes. Today, you’ll find E-Jets flying with some 60 airlines from 40 countries in mainline, regional, tour operator and low fare business applications.
Many of the world’s most recognizable airlines are flying E-Jets but there are many lesser known carriers who are deploying their aircraft in remarkable ways. Virgin Australia routinely flies its E190s on four hour legs over water. The western provinces of China are home to a fleet of Hebei Airlines E-Jets that are helping to develop the local economies of regions that never had air service. E-Jets are also flying on the iconic New York-Boston- Washington shuttle routes in the USA. And in Brazil, the E-Jets of Azul Linhas Aéreas have introduced affordable air travel to an entire segment of first time air travelers.
In Africa, Kenya Airways is using its fleet of E170s and E190s to bring greater connectivity across Africa. From its Nairobi hub, the airline is scheduling its E-Jets to increase frequency and build its network. By the end of 2013, KQ plans to fly between Nairobi and the capital of every African country with its fleet of Boeing and E-Jets aircraft. The E170 and E190 are fundamental to the airline’s expansion strategy that promotes connectivity without adding excess capacity.
At a ceremony on October 10 at the factory in São José dos Campos, Embraerfrom Kenya Airways and the Government of Kenya. He cited the vision of Kenya Airways to break with the traditional large aircraft strategies of African carriers and embrace a plan to fly smaller jets with greater frequency.
Mr. de Souza e Silva praised the airline for taking the lead among African carriers by using the full potential of E-Jet capabilities. Since it received its first E170 in 2007, Kenya Airways has been flying its E-Jets as far south as Maputo as well as to cities closer to home in South Sudan and Tanzania.
“Kenya Airways showcases the best of our E-Jets philosophy. I can’t think of more deserving customer to fly this beautiful 900th E-Jet,” said Mr. de Souza e Silva as he delivered the aircraft to Mr. Francis Musila, the airline’s Head of Fleet Development.