Airlink (South Africa) (4Z, Johannesburg O.R. Tambo) has taken delivery of its first E170. According to Skyliner Aviation, N305EC (msn 17000005) was positioned from Nashville International to Johannesburg O.R. Tambo via Bangor International, Goose Bay, Reykjavik Keflavik, Belgrade Nikola Tesla, Aswan, Entebbe, and Harare International this past weekend.

As the first aircraft of the type to feature on a South African carrier's AOC, the 15-year-old former Paramount Airways (India) (Chennai) jet will be added to the country's register once all relevant type-certification procedures have been completed.

Airlink is acquiring three EMB-170s as part of a fleet renewal plan which also involves the introduction of E190 equipment. Collectively, the Embraer jets will be used to replace its ageing fleet of twelve ARJ-85s.

The South African domestic and regional specialist also operates eight Jetstream 41s, seventeen E135s, four E140s (with a further seven due into service), and three E145s.