Helvetic Airways Expands Fleet with Embraer E195-E2 Jets for Europe

Helvetic Airways Doubles Down on Embraer‘s E2 Jets, Fueling European Growth

In a move that signals strong confidence in next-generation regional aircraft, Swiss carrier Helvetic Airways has announced a significant expansion of its partnership with Brazilian aerospace giant Embraer. The deal, unveiled at the Dubai Air Show 2025, includes a firm order for three new Embraer E195-E2 aircraft, plus purchase rights for an additional five. This strategic acquisition is set to bolster Helvetic’s fleet, enhance its operational capabilities, and reinforce its commitment to a more sustainable and efficient future in European aviation.

The relationship between Helvetic Airways and Embraer is not new. The Swiss airline has been a long-standing operator of Embraer’s E-Jet family and was a key European launch customer for the advanced E2 series. This latest order builds upon an initial 2018 agreement for 12 E190-E2s, which included the flexibility to convert orders to the larger E195-E2 model. By expanding its E2 fleet, Helvetic is not just buying new planes; it’s investing in a platform known for its superior performance, particularly in challenging operational environments like London City Airport.

This fleet modernization is a calculated step in Helvetic’s long-term strategy. The airline operates a diverse business model that includes scheduled flights, charter services, and extensive wet-lease operations, most notably for Swiss International Air Lines. The addition of more E195-E2s provides the carrier with increased capacity and flexibility, allowing it to better serve its partners and adapt to the dynamic demands of the European market. The move underscores a broader industry trend towards right-sizing fleets with aircraft that offer the best combination of efficiency, passenger comfort, and environmental performance.

A Strategic Bet on Efficiency and Sustainability

At the heart of this deal is the Embraer E195-E2 itself, an aircraft lauded for its technological advancements. The decision to expand the E2 fleet is a direct reflection of the aircraft’s proven capabilities. According to Helvetic Airways CEO Tobias Pogorevc, the E195-E2 is considered the “ideal aircraft” for the airline’s network. Its standout features include remarkable fuel efficiency and significantly lower noise emissions, two critical factors in today’s environmentally conscious aviation landscape. These characteristics align perfectly with Helvetic’s sustainability goals and the stringent noise regulations at many European airports.

The new aircraft will be configured with 134 seats in a single-class layout, featuring modern Recaro seating designed to enhance the passenger experience. This focus on comfort, combined with the E2’s quiet cabin, positions Helvetic to offer a premium service whether flying under its own brand or on behalf of its wet-lease clients. The delivery of the first aircraft from this new order is slated for the end of 2026, with the firm orders expected to be completed by spring 2027. This timeline allows for a seamless integration into Helvetic’s operational planning and fleet retirement schedule for its older, first-generation E-jets.

The expansion is also a testament to the E2 family’s versatility. Helvetic was the first airline to operate both the E190-E2 and E195-E2 into London City Airport, a feat that requires steep approach certification and showcases the aircraft’s exceptional performance. This capability opens up lucrative routes into centrally located, business-focused airports, giving Helvetic a competitive edge. The new order will potentially grow Helvetic’s E2 fleet from 12 to 20 aircraft, solidifying its status as a leading European operator of Embraer’s most advanced regional jets.

“The E195-E2 is the ideal aircraft for our network, offering exceptional fuel efficiency, low noise emissions, and a high-quality passenger experience. This order supports our modern fleet strategy and sustainability goals while maintaining operational flexibility across Europe.” — Tobias Pogorevc, CEO of Helvetic Airways

Deepening a Key Partnership in European Aviation

This order does more than just add airframes to a fleet; it deepens a crucial strategic partnership between Helvetic Airways and Embraer. For Embraer, a repeat order from a discerning European carrier is a powerful endorsement of its E2 platform. Arjan Meijer, President and CEO of Embraer Commercial Aviation, highlighted this, stating that Helvetic’s decision is a “strong endorsement of the aircraft’s performance, economics, and environmental credentials.” It signals to the market that the E2 is not just meeting, but exceeding, the expectations of operators in the highly competitive European theater.

Helvetic’s current fleet is a mix of old and new, comprising eight E190-E2s, four E195-E2s, and eight first-generation E-Jets (four E190s and four E195s). The new E195-E2s will play a pivotal role in the gradual phasing out of the older, less efficient models. This fleet modernization is critical for maintaining a competitive cost structure, as the E2 offers significant reductions in fuel burn, emissions, and maintenance costs compared to its predecessors. This efficiency is particularly valuable for Helvetic’s ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) operations, where tight margins and reliability are paramount.

The continued investment in the E2 family positions Helvetic Airways for robust growth. The added capacity and operational flexibility will enhance its ability to compete for wet-lease contracts across the continent. As larger airlines continue to right-size their regional operations, partners like Helvetic, with a modern and efficient fleet, become increasingly attractive. This strategic foresight ensures that Helvetic is well-equipped to navigate the future of European aviation, which will undoubtedly be shaped by demands for greater sustainability and economic efficiency.

Conclusion: Charting a Course for a Modern Fleet

Helvetic Airways’ new order for up to eight Embraer E195-E2 jets is a clear and decisive step towards a more modern, sustainable, and flexible future. The move reinforces the airline’s commitment to operational excellence and environmental responsibility, leveraging the advanced technology of the E2 platform to meet the evolving demands of the European market. By phasing out older aircraft in favor of a state-of-the-art fleet, Helvetic is not only enhancing its passenger experience but also strengthening its competitive position as a premier wet-lease provider.

This expanded partnership between Helvetic and Embraer serves as a powerful case study for the future of regional aviation. It highlights the critical role that next-generation aircraft like the E195-E2 will play in building a more efficient and sustainable industry. As airlines navigate the dual challenges of economic viability and environmental stewardship, strategic fleet decisions like this one will be essential for long-term success, ensuring that carriers can grow responsibly while delivering reliable and high-quality service.

FAQ

Question: What aircraft did Helvetic Airways order?
Answer: Helvetic Airways placed a firm order for three Embraer E195-E2 aircraft, with purchase rights for an additional five.

Question: When will the new aircraft be delivered?
Answer: The first aircraft from the firm order is scheduled for delivery at the end of 2026, with all three expected to be delivered by the spring of 2027.

Question: How will the new E195-E2 jets be configured?
Answer: The aircraft will be configured with 134 seats in a single-class layout, featuring modern Recaro seating.

Question: Why did Helvetic Airways choose the Embraer E195-E2?
Answer: The airline chose the E195-E2 for its exceptional fuel efficiency, low noise emissions, passenger comfort, and operational flexibility, which align with its network strategy and sustainability goals.

Sources: Embraer News