Helvetic Airways (2L, Zurich) took delivery of its first E195 on July 5, around three months behind schedule, as it looks to maintain a stable fleet size despite Pratt & Whitney engine issues affecting its E2s.
HB-JVJ (msn 19000386) was ferried after transition maintenance at Macon Regional via Bangor International and Reykjavik Keflavik to Zurich over the course of July 4-5. It is currently due to enter service on July 8. The 13.7-year-old ex-Azul Linhas Aéreas Brasileiras aircraft, configured for up to 122 passengers, is the first of four E195s Helvetic Airways will dry lease from Azorra. The other three Embraer regional jets, also ex-Azul stock, remain at Macon and will be delivered in "the coming weeks".
Originally, the Swiss airline hoped to take its first E195 in "the early part of the second quarter of 2024".
The Swiss regional carrier already operates six E190s, eight E190-E2s, and four E195-E2s. Four of the E190-E2s are currently grounded due to PW1900G engine issues. The airline said in a press release that it aims to keep an active fleet of 16 aircraft, with the four E195s compensating for the parked E2s.
Editorial Comment: The article corrects that the aircraft was in Macon for maintenance, not storage. - 11Jul2024 - 08:21 UTC