Airlink has officially introduced its new Embraer E195-E2 aircraft into service, with the first flight taking place on 22 December 2025, timed to support peak Christmas and New Year travel demand.

The inaugural service, flight 4Z 553, departed from Airlink’s main base at O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg bound for Durban’s King Shaka International Airport. With this milestone, Airlink becomes the first airline in Southern Africa to operate the state-of-the-art E195-E2 aircraft.

Powered by Pratt & Whitney PW1009G Geared TurboFan (GTF) engines, the E195-E2 brings enhanced fuel efficiency and operational performance to Airlink’s growing fleet. The aircraft seats up to 136 passengers in a two-by-two all-economy cabin layout, ensuring there are no middle seats across the airline’s fleet.

The new aircraft will add capacity on several high-density domestic routes, including Johannesburg–Durban, Cape Town–Hoedspruit, Gqeberha–Johannesburg and Cape Town–Mbombela (Nelspruit), all of which attract strong year-round demand from both business and leisure travellers.

Beyond domestic operations, the E195-E2’s extended range compared with its predecessor model will enable Airlink to expand its reach across sub-Saharan Africa. The additional range creates opportunities to connect new destinations and markets within the region.

Airlink Chief Executive Officer de Villiers Engelbrecht says the entry into service of the E195-E2 is expected to deliver meaningful competitive, commercial and operational advantages. He notes that the similarities between the new E2 aircraft and Airlink’s existing E-Jet fleet, including common flight decks, operating procedures and handling characteristics, have simplified pilot, cabin crew and engineering training, allowing for a streamlined entry into service. Engelbrecht adds that passenger comfort remains a key benefit, describing the E195-E2 cabin as best in class.

The aircraft’s introduction follows a comprehensive safety oversight process. This included certification by the South African Civil Aviation Authority, as well as validation and approval of Airlink’s training systems, operational procedures, readiness, and engineering support facilities for maintaining the new aircraft and engine combination.

Airlink will lease a total of ten E195-E2 aircraft from Azorra, the Fort Lauderdale-based leasing, finance and asset management firm. The airline has taken delivery of its first three aircraft, with the remaining seven scheduled for delivery from Embraer’s factory in Brazil over the next two years. These additional aircraft will feature a two-class cabin configuration.

Established in 1992, Airlink is Southern Africa’s leading privately owned regional airline. Its fleet of 70 modern Embraer jet aircraft operates 67 routes serving 47 destinations across 15 Southern African countries, including Madagascar and St Helena Island.

 The airline also provides worldwide connectivity through 43 global partners, including 11 codeshare agreements and its FlyNamibia franchise. Airlink is an IATA member, IOSA accredited, and certified under the IATA Environmental Assessment programme.