Discount carrier Avelo Airlines has ordered 50 Embraer E195-E2 aircraft, with an option for 50 more. The first planes are slated to arrive in 2027.
The move will make Avelo the first U.S. operator of Embraer's largest and most advanced aircraft while opening new route possibilities. Avelo has operated only Boeing 737s since launching in 2021.
E195-E2s have 132 seats with a seat pitch of 31 inches and 146 seats with a 28-inch pitch. That makes them slightly smaller than Avelo's eight 737-700 planes, which have 149 seats with 29-inch pitch. Avelo also flies 14 larger 737-800 aircraft.
The new aircraft will offer Avelo more operational flexibility than the 737s due to their ability to operate on shorter runways.
The planes, with their ability to lift quicker than 737s, are likely to be especially helpful in Avelo's largest focus city, New Haven, Conn. The airport's short runways limit the fuel loads on 737s, reducing operational range.
"Our customers will love the E2's comfortable 2-by-2 seating, in-seat power ports, large overhead bins and quiet cabin," Avelo CEO Andrew Levy said in a statement. "The aircraft's exceptional performance, size and efficiency make it the perfect choice for the future growth of our scheduled-service network."