Orenburzhye Airlines interested in ex-Air Canada’s E190 jets

Air Canada operates Embraer E190s in two-class configuration (Photo by Air Canada)

Orenburg International Airport (owned by the administration of Russia’s Orenburg region) has made an important step towards acquiring Embraer E190 regional jets for its subsidiary Orenburzhye Airlines. Russian Aviation Insider has learned that the company signed a letter of intent with Danish lessor Nordic Aviation Capital.

The airline may receive three E190s previously operated by Air Canada, the industry source familiar with the project explains.

As a rule after an LOI is signed lessor removes the aircraft from the market and airline commences detailed inspection of them. Orenburg Airport did not comment on the expected acquisition.

The acquisition of 100-seat E190s will significantly boost Orenburzhye’s capacity and operational capabilities. The airline now has nine 19-seat Let L-410 UVP-E20 turboprops, five Antonov An-2 piston engine aircraft and three Mil Mi-2 and three Mi-8 helicopters.

Nordic Aviation Capital has one of the largest Embraer aircraft portfolio, which includes 26 E170/175s and 92 E190/195s.

Air Canada is the largest Canadian carrier and one of the leading operators of Embraer E-Jets in the world by average flight time. It formed its fleet of 45 new E190s in the period from 2006 to 2008. In 2015 and last year, the airline phased out 20 of these aircraft, the majority of which are still showcased on the market.

By Artyom Korenyako
Russian Aviation Insider