Saratov Airlines Becomes First Russian E-Jet Operator

São José dos Campos, Brazil, December 19, 2013 – Embraer Commercial Aviation welcomes Saratov-based Saratov Airlines (Saravia) as the first E-Jet customer in Russia. The airline has leased two E195s that will start operations in the coming weeks. The E190 and E195 were certified by Russia’s Interstate Aviation Committee in December 2012.

The E195s will be configured with 114 seats in dual class and deployed from the airline’s base at Saratov Airport. The aircraft are planned for scheduled services as well as for charter flights to Dubai, Europe, Asia and Africa in association with Saratov’s tour partner, Magellan.

“We see good potential in Russia for aircraft of the capacity that Embraer E-Jets offer,” said Paulo Cesar Silva, President & CEO, Embraer Commercial Aviation. “As the first Russian airline to fly the E195, Saratov Airlines will showcase the aircraft's excellent economics, reliability, and cabin design. I am positive both passengers and crews are going to enjoy flying the E-Jets and the airline will see, rapidly, the benefits of it.”

“Saravia selected the E195 because of its proven ability to operate in wide range of business applications,” stated Saratov Airlines General Director, Konstantin Sokolov. “We are keen to start realizing improvements in fleet efficiency with this airplane and to have a cabin that we know our passengers will love. The E195 is going to keep us competitive.”

Saratov Airlines joins a growing list of operators in Eastern Europe and Central Asia that have added E-Jets to their fleets: Air Astana, Air Lituanica, Air Moldova, Azerbaijan Airlines, Belavia, Bulgaria Air, Estonian Air, LOT Polish, Montenegro Airlines and Ukraine International Airlines. Combined, these airlines operate a fleet of 66 E-Jets.