Aircraft Orders & Deliveries
Air Côte d’Ivoire Orders Embraer E175 Jets to Boost West African Aviation
Air Côte d’Ivoire orders four Embraer E175 aircraft to enhance regional connectivity, fleet modernization, and support Abidjan as an aviation hub.
Air Côte d’Ivoire’s Embraer E175 Order: A Strategic Move to Reshape West African Aviation
In a significant development for West African aviation, Air Côte d’Ivoire, the national airline of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, has placed a firm order for four Embraer E175 aircraft. The deal, announced at the Dubai Airshow on November 17, 2025, also includes purchase rights for an additional eight jets, signaling a clear strategy for fleet modernization and regional expansion. This move is poised to enhance connectivity, improve operational efficiency, and elevate the passenger experience across the region, reinforcing Abidjan’s growing status as a key aviation hub.
The acquisition of the E175s marks a pivotal moment for Air Côte d’Ivoire as it seeks to phase out its older turboprop fleet. The decision underscores a broader trend among African carriers to adopt more modern, fuel-efficient Commercial-Aircraft tailored to the unique demands of the continent’s air travel market. By selecting the E175, a jet renowned for its performance on short to medium-haul routes, the Airlines is investing in a solution that balances capacity, range, and economic viability. This strategic fleet update is not just about new hardware; it represents a calculated step towards sustainable growth and increased competitiveness in a dynamic market.
Embraer’s foothold in Africa is significantly strengthened by this Orders. The Brazilian Manufacturers has steadily built its presence across the continent, with its aircraft becoming a common sight in the fleets of many regional carriers. This partnership with Air Côte d’Ivoire further cements Embraer’s position as a market leader for aircraft in the up to 150-seat category in Africa. The deal highlights the suitability of Embraer’s E-Jet family for developing regional networks, offering a blend of performance and passenger comfort that aligns with the growth ambitions of airlines like Air Côte d’Ivoire.
Fleet Modernization and Network Expansion
The core of Air Côte d’Ivoire’s decision lies in a deliberate strategy to modernize its fleet and expand its reach. The airline will deploy the new E175s on a mix of domestic and regional routes, aiming to increase frequencies and connect more cities. This will be crucial in feeding traffic to its hub in Abidjan, especially following the recent launch of long-haul services to Paris. The E175’s capabilities allow for more efficient scheduling and the potential to open new routes that were not previously viable with larger aircraft or older turboprops.
The choice of the E175 over other aircraft is a calculated one. According to Air Côte d’Ivoire’s CEO, Laurent Loukou, the aircraft’s capacity is “perfectly adapted to the size of African markets.” Many regional routes in Africa are characterized by moderate passenger demand, often referred to as “thin routes,” where operating larger narrowbody jets would be uneconomical. The 76-seat configuration, split between 12 business class and 64 economy seats, offers a right-sized solution that improves operational economics while providing a superior level of comfort compared to the turboprops it will replace.
This fleet renewal is expected to bring substantial benefits. The E175 offers greater range, higher speed, and increased cargo capacity compared to the outgoing turboprops. These performance advantages translate into shorter flight times for passengers and new revenue opportunities from cargo. Furthermore, the modern jet engines of the E175 are more fuel-efficient, leading to lower operating costs and a reduced environmental footprint, a critical consideration for any airline focused on long-term sustainability and profitability.
“The Embraer E175 is perfectly suited to our domestic and regional ambitions. Its capacity is perfectly adapted to the size of African markets. Its performance and comfort will allow us to offer a superior passenger experience, while supporting our growth and the development of our Abidjan hub.”, Laurent Loukou, CEO of Air Côte d’Ivoire.
The Broader Impact on African Aviation
Air Côte d’Ivoire’s investment is reflective of a larger trend across the African continent. As economies grow and intra-African trade and tourism expand, there is a pressing need for better air connectivity. Regional jets like the Embraer E175 are playing a crucial role in meeting this demand. They enable airlines to build robust networks that connect secondary cities directly, bypassing the need to transit through congested mega-hubs on other continents. This fosters greater economic integration and makes air travel more accessible for a wider population.
Embraer has successfully positioned itself as a key partner for African airlines. The company currently has 250 aircraft in operation with 56 different operators across the continent. This widespread adoption is a testament to the E-Jet family’s versatility and reliability in diverse operating environments. Embraer’s market share of 31% in the up to 150-seat segment in Africa underscores the trust that carriers have placed in its products to drive their growth strategies. The success of the E-Jets in Africa has paved the way for a new era of regional aviation, characterized by greater efficiency and connectivity.
The move by Air Côte d’Ivoire also highlights the competitive landscape among aircraft manufacturers. While giants like Boeing and Airbus dominate the long-haul and large narrowbody markets, Embraer has carved out a significant niche in the regional jet sector. This order, announced during the bustling Dubai Airshow, demonstrates that there is strong demand for aircraft specifically designed for regional missions. As more African airlines look to modernize their fleets, the competition in this segment is likely to intensify, ultimately benefiting the airlines and the traveling public with more advanced and efficient aircraft.
Concluding Section
The firm order by Air Côte d’Ivoire for four Embraer E175s, with options for eight more, is a clear and decisive step towards a more connected and efficient future for West African aviation. This strategic fleet enhancement is not merely about replacing older aircraft; it is a foundational move to strengthen the airline’s Abidjan hub, improve service quality, and optimize operational economics. By choosing an aircraft specifically suited for the dynamics of the African market, Air Côte d’Ivoire is positioning itself for sustainable growth and enhanced regional leadership.
Looking ahead, this partnership between Air Côte d’Ivoire and Embraer serves as a compelling case study for other carriers on the continent. It underscores the critical role of right-sized, modern aircraft in unlocking the vast potential of intra-African air travel. As the continent’s aviation sector continues to evolve, such strategic investments will be crucial in overcoming infrastructure challenges, fostering economic development, and bringing the people and businesses of Africa closer together. The skies over West Africa are set to become busier and more efficient, with the E175 playing a key part in this transformation.
FAQ
Question: How many aircraft did Air Côte d’Ivoire order?
Answer: Air Côte d’Ivoire placed a firm order for four Embraer E175 aircraft and secured purchase rights for an additional eight.
Question: What is the seating configuration of the new E175s?
Answer: The aircraft will be configured with 76 seats in a two-class layout, featuring 12 seats in Business Class and 64 in Economy Class.
Question: When are the first aircraft expected to be delivered?
Answer: The first delivery of the Embraer E175 jets is scheduled for the first half of 2027.
Question: Why did Air Côte d’Ivoire choose the Embraer E175?
Answer: The airline selected the E175 for its suitability for domestic and regional routes, its greater range, speed, and passenger comfort compared to turboprops, and its capacity being well-adapted to the size of African markets.
Sources: Embraer
Photo Credit: Embraer
Aircraft Orders & Deliveries
Pre-Owned Aircraft Inventory Remains Below 2025 Levels
Sandhills Global August 2026 data shows used jet inventory down 22% year-over-year as asking prices soften across most categories.
Pre-owned aircraft inventory levels remained significantly lower in August 2026 compared to the previous year, driven by a 37.73 percent year-over-year drop in available used large jets.
In a press release issued on September 4, 2026, Sandhills Global published its August aviation market reports. The data indicates a continued tightening of supply in the pre-owned aircraft market compared to 2025, while asking prices displayed mixed trends across different aircraft categories.
Jet and turboprop market dynamics
According to the Sandhills Global report, the global used jet aircraft inventory increased by 1.09 percent month-over-month in August 2026. This slight monthly gain did not offset the broader trend, as total jet inventory fell 22.32 percent year-over-year. Global asking prices for used jets decreased by 0.88 percent from July 2026 and dropped 1.85 percent compared to August 2025.
The global used turboprop aircraft market exhibited a similar pattern. Inventory rose 4.04 percent month-over-month but remained 9.92 percent below August 2025 levels. Asking values for used turboprops decreased 2.35 percent month-over-month and saw a marginal 0.14 percent decline year-over-year.
Piston aircraft and Helicopters trends
In the United States and Canada, the used piston-single aircraft inventory rose 2.8 percent month-over-month in August 2026. Similar to the turbine markets, this category experienced an 11.75 percent year-over-year decrease. Asking values for used piston-single aircraft decreased 0.93 percent month-over-month and 1.6 percent year-over-year.
The global market for used Robinson piston helicopters saw inventory increase by 1.19 percent month-over-month, while year-over-year inventory decreased by 10.53 percent. Asking values for these helicopters dropped 9.33 percent from July 2026 but recorded a 0.79 percent increase compared to August 2025.
AirPro News analysis
We observe a consistent pattern of constrained supply across all tracked pre-owned aviation sectors when comparing 2026 to 2025. The August 2026 data aligns closely with the July 2026 figures previously reported by Sandhills Global, where large jets posted a 39.6 percent year-over-year inventory decrease. The modest month-over-month inventory gains across jets, turboprops, and piston aircraft suggest the rate of inventory depletion may be stabilizing. The corresponding softening in asking prices across most categories indicates that buyers are not currently willing to pay a premium despite the lower year-over-year supply.
Sources: Sandhills Global via PR Newswire
Photo Credit: Sandhills Global
Aircraft Orders & Deliveries
BermudAir to Become First E190F Freighter Operator in Americas
BermudAir leases an Embraer E190F from Regional One, becoming the first operator of the type in the Americas.
BermudAir will become the first operator of the Embraer E190F freighter in the Americas following a lease agreement with aircraft lessor Regional One announced on September 16, 2026. The transaction expands the Bermuda-based carrier’s operations into dedicated cargo services across North-America and the Caribbean.
According to a press release issued by Embraer, BermudAir will lease a single converted E190F, making it the second global operator of the manufacturer’s passenger-to-freighter (P2F) platform. The addition builds on the airline’s existing passenger network, which currently connects 10 destinations using a fleet of Embraer E175 and Embraer E190 regional jets.
Expanding into dedicated cargo-aircraft operations
The leased E190F will serve routes spanning Bermuda, the Caribbean, the United States, and Canada. BermudAir currently operates two E175s and two E190s for its scheduled passenger services, providing a common type rating and maintenance foundation for the incoming freighter.
“Cargo is a natural next step for us. We’ve built a reliable, right-sized operation connecting Bermuda and the Caribbean to North America, and the E190F lets us put that same network to work moving express cargo, supporting local businesses, e-commerce and time-sensitive freight across the islands we serve,” said Adam Scott, Founder and CEO of BermudAir.
The cargo expansion runs parallel to BermudAir’s broader fleet modernization strategy. In July 2026, the carrier announced a firm order for 10 Airbus A220-300 passenger aircraft to support its network growth, with deliveries scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of 2027, according to reporting by ch-aviation.
Embraer’s E-Freighter program gains momentum
The lease agreement highlights the ongoing rollout of Embraer’s P2F conversion program. Regional One has placed five firm orders for the E190F since the launch of the E-Freighter program. Two of those converted aircraft have already been delivered to the lessor and are in active service.
“As an innovative and rapidly growing airline, BermudAir is an excellent partner to help showcase the versatility and value of the E-Freighter platform. This milestone represents another important step in the continued growth of the E190 P2F program,” said George Mamangakis, Chief Investment Officer at Regional One.
Global rollout of the E190F
The E190F entered commercial service on March 9, 2026, when launch customer Bridges Air Cargo deployed the first converted aircraft on routes in Europe. The program subsequently secured additional backlog at the Farnborough International Airshow on July 21, 2026, when aircraft lessor Azorra signed an agreement for up to 30 E-Freighters, comprising 20 firm orders and 10 purchase rights, as reported by Aviation Week.
AirPro News analysis
We view BermudAir’s adoption of the E190F as a logical utilization of the carrier’s existing Embraer maintenance and crew training infrastructure. Operating a mixed fleet of passenger and freighter variants of the same aircraft family allows regional carriers to diversify revenue streams without proportionally increasing overhead costs. The placement of the first E-Freighter in the Americas provides Embraer with a highly visible regional showcase for its P2F conversion program in a market traditionally dominated by larger narrowbody freighters or smaller turboprops.
Sources: Embraer
Photo Credit: Embraer
Aircraft Orders & Deliveries
TAROM Takes Delivery of First Boeing 737 MAX 8 Aircraft
TAROM received its first Boeing 737 MAX 8 in Seattle on Sept 3, 2026, as the airline faces an EU restructuring deadline.
Romanian national carrier TAROM (RO) has taken delivery of its first Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, marking a critical step in the airline’s fleet modernization efforts amid a stringent European Commission-mandated restructuring process.
In a press release issued on September 2, 2026, the airline announced that the aircraft was officially handed over to TAROM crews at Boeing’s facility in Seattle, Washington, on September 3, 2026. The delivery flight to Bucharest, Romania, includes a stopover in Keflavík, Iceland, and is scheduled to take place over the weekend of September 5-6, 2026.
Delivery and fleet integration
The new aircraft is named “Mircea Lucescu” in honor of the renowned Romanian football coach. Two TAROM crews were assigned to operate the multi-stage ferry flight from the United States to Europe.
TAROM General Director Cristian Anghel stated that the delivery marks an important step in the airline’s transformation process, describing the aircraft as a new beginning for the carrier. Flight Director Cătălin Prunariu noted that the ferry flight represents the dedication of the aviation professionals bringing the aircraft to its new home.
The aircraft is one of two Boeing 737 MAX 8 jets secured through a lease agreement with CDB Aviation, which was initially announced on July 2, 2024. The addition brings the current TAROM fleet to 14 aircraft, serving over 50 destinations alongside the airline’s codeshare partners.
Restructuring and financial pressures
The fleet modernization is tied directly to a rigorous restructuring plan. In April 2024, the European Commission (EC) approved a €95.3 million state aid package for the airline. TAROM must demonstrate long-term financial viability by the end of 2026 to avoid repaying the funds, according to reporting by the Romanian national news agency AGERPRES.
The airline has faced recent hurdles in meeting these mandates. In late July 2026, Romania’s acting Transport Minister Radu Miruță confirmed that TAROM had missed its original financial-results, citing high fuel prices and aircraft delivery delays.
Consequently, the airline’s management was replaced. Anghel was appointed as the new chief executive officer and tasked with drafting a revised restructuring strategy by September 2026.
AirPro News analysis
We view the arrival of the first Boeing 737 MAX 8 as a necessary operational milestone that provides TAROM with the fuel efficiency required to lower operating costs. However, the delayed delivery timeline has already impacted the carrier’s financial trajectory, contributing to the recent management overhaul. The revised restructuring strategy due in September 2026 will need to demonstrate how the integration of these new airframes can rapidly offset the operational losses cited by the transport ministry. The end-of-2026 deadline to prove viability to the European Commission leaves the new leadership team with a narrow window to execute their turnaround plan.
Sources: TAROM
Photo Credit: TAROM
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