Singapore Airlines’ subsidiary, Scoot, chose the Embraer E190-E2 to further grow in the region. Nine E190-E2 will be added to Scoot’s fleet. (Photo: Embraer)
Low-cost carrier Scoot has recently announced plans to introduce Embraer’s next-generation E190-E2 into service. This new addition to the Singapore-based carrier’s fleet will allow for a profitable entrance into new markets while supporting the airline’s global network from its hub at Singapore Changi Airport (SIN).
A subsidiary of Singapore Airlines, Scoot commenced operations in June 2012, operating flights from Singapore to Sydney and the Gulf Coast using four Boeing 777s in a two-class configuration. It was established by Singapore Airlines to defend important markets from an influx of low-cost competition that began competing directly with the global carrier, and it currently uses a fleet of Airbus A320s and Boeing 787s to serve a variety of medium and long-haul routes across the world.
While many low-cost carriers are known for flying a point-to-point route network, Scoot operates a hub and spoke system. The carrier maximizes connectivity by routing passengers through a centralized hub (Singapore Changi Airport) to connect to their destinations on other flights. Despite the concentrated nature of its network, the airline is still somewhat restricted by the limited aircraft types it operates. The addition of the efficient E190-E2 will make serving new markets from its hub a profitable venture.
The E190-E2 is a relatively small regional aircraft, seating 106 to 114 passengers in a one-class configuration and 97 passengers in a three-class configuration. Its lower capacity is one of the features that attracted Scoot to the aircraft type, as it allows the carrier to serve smaller markets than its pre-existing narrowbody fleet. Furthermore, the E2’s short runway landing capabilities and lower fuel burn make the entrance to smaller cities possible for Scoot.
The carrier will receive nine E190-E2s through a leasing agreement with Fort Lauderdale-based aircraft lessor Azorra. Scoot will begin receiving the type in 2024, and these aircraft will come from Azorra’s pre-existing Embraer order backlog.
While this order promises growth for Scoot, it also indicates a major success for the Embraer E2 program in a new region of the world. As John Evans, CEO of Azorra, explained, “We are thrilled to support Scoot and its exciting expansion plan to serve more short and medium-haul flights across Southeast Asia. Scoot’s selection of the E2 is a resounding endorsement of Embraer’s E2 product line and the crossover segment. With the addition of E2s, Scoot becomes the first Singapore-based airline to operate crossover aircraft, demonstrating the emerging capacity rationalization trend amongst operators globally.”
Scoot believes that the Embraer E190-E2 will allow the carrier to maintain its low-cost business model while entering new markets and stimulating demand with its lower fares. This order marks a significant milestone not only for Scoot but for Embraer and its latest offering in the commercial aircraft market.
The E195-E2 is the largest aircraft in the E-Jet E2 family. (Photo: Embraer)
Embraer’s E2 family of aircraft includes the E195-E2 single-aisle aircraft. Malaysia’s SKS Airways selected the E195-E2 to support the airline’s plans for expansion. A deal for 10 of the aircraft was announced this week. Each of the jets will be configured to seat 136 passengers.
Last week, Embraer and Azorra also announced a deal with Royal Jordanian Airlines. Four E190-E2 models and two E195-E2s will come from Azorra’s backlog with Embraer. The airline also placed firm orders for two additional E195-E2 models directly from Embraer. Deliveries of the aircraft to Royal Jordanian Airlines will likely begin in the fourth quarter of this year.
Embraer and Azorra announced an eight-aircraft deal with Royal Jordanian Airlines, the flag carrier of Jordan. (Photo: Embraer)