Embraer has secured a commitment for Embraer E-Jets from Malaysia-based carrier SKS Airways.
During the Langkawi International Maritime & Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA'23), the Malaysia-based regional airline selected to acquire 10 Embraer E195-E2 aircraft to drive its growth plans in the region. The deal will make the SKS Airways the first in the Southeast Asian region to operate the E195-E2, while growing the presence of E-Jets in the Asia-Pacific, where 200 of the aircraft currently operate.
According to Embraer, the 10 E195-E2s will form the core of SKS Airways' expansion plans from its base at Subang near Kuala Lumpur. Acquired through lease with aircraft leasing firm Azorra, the E-Jets are expected to be delivered to the airline starting in 2024.
The E195-E2 jets have a range of 2600nm, and SKS Airways' jets will be configured with 136 seats.
In a statement, SKS Airways Director Dato Rohman Ahmad said: “This is a significant day for the future of aviation in Malaysia. We are delighted to announce the successful signing of these agreements with leading industry players like Embraer and Azorra who share our vision for the future of air travel. With these strategic partnerships, we are excited to embark on a new phase of growth, with a fleet of Embraer’s Jets operating out of Subang. The prevalence of the E-Jets at city airports around the world and the low noise emissions of the E195-E2 makes the aircraft a perfect fit for flights in and out of Subang Airport – supporting the Government’s aim to establish Subang Airport as Malaysia’s premium city airport and aviation hub.”
Martyn Holmes, Chief Commercial Officer, Embraer Commercial Aviation said: “The E2 is the aircraft family of choice for airlines around the world seeking to develop their regional routes. As the most modern and efficient single-aisle aircraft, the E195-E2 will deliver a step change for our first Malaysian operator, SKS Airways, as it grows regional connectivity within Malaysia and beyond. We welcome SKS Airways to the Embraer family and we look forward to growing our collaboration and partnerships in Malaysia as the country continues to develop as a major aerospace hub.”
“We are pleased to partner with SKS Airways on this unique opportunity to be a part of the future expansion of Subang Airport. We believe Embraer’s new technology E2 is the perfect fit for a redeveloped, premier aviation hub near the heart of Kuala Lumpur, reducing travel times and improving connectivity in the region. The E2’s fuel efficiency, carbon footprint and low noise emissions offer a transformative, environmentally conscious jet solution for the city, the region, and its residents”, said John Evans, Azorra’s CEO.
Founded in 2017, SKS Airways is a regional airline based in Malaysia. Part of the SKS Group of companies, the airline launched its first flight from Subang Airport near the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur in January 2022.
