Upsized Regional Jets Will Replace Older Narrowbodies
Embraer has signed the growing Virgin Nigeria airlines for eight
Embraer E-170s and two E-190s, all Advanced Range (AR) versions.
The deal includes options for another six Embraer 190 and purchase
rights for eight Embraer 190 or Embraer 195 jets.
The value of the firm order, at list price, is US$ 301 million,
based on January 2007 economic conditions, and could come to US$
800 million, if all six Embraer 190 options and purchase rights for
eight Embraer 195 are confirmed.
"Virgin Nigeria’s choice of the Embraer 170 and the
Embraer 190 is a strategic breakthrough in this promising
Sub-Saharan African market," said Mauro Kern, Embraer Executive
Vice President, Airline Market. "We are extremely pleased by Virgin
Nigeria’s decision to select Embraer aircraft and are sure
that our E-Jets will provide the airline with the right tools for
increased success. Our aircraft will help take Virgin Nigeria to
new heights with its unparalleled combination of right capacity,
sound performance, outstanding passenger comfort, and low operating
costs."
First delivery to Virgin Nigeria is scheduled for September
2008. The airline intends to deploy the Embraer 170 on its domestic
network, replacing older narrowbody jets in several markets, as
well as turboprops on its strategic petroleum routes, such as
Lagos-Port Harcourt. The Embraer 190 will be deployed in its
regional and international markets.
With their advanced range capabilities, common type rating, and
training and parts commonality, Embraer says the new aircraft will
bring more flexibility to the entire network.
"These new E-Jets from Embraer will greatly enhance our ability
to serve the corporate market, enabling us to offer our passengers
superior standards and to match seat capacity and frequency to
passenger demand network-wide," said Conrad Clifford, CEO of Virgin
Nigeria. "We believe the Embraer E-Jets will give us the edge over
the competition, as well as provide us with a family of aircraft
with versatile capabilities."
Virgin Nigeria’s E-Jets will
be configured with a dual-class cabin. The first class will be
equipped with seven 20"-wide (51 centimeter) seats for the Embraer
170 and 12 for the Embraer 190, all fitted with computer power
outlets. The economy class will have 60 18.3"-wide (46 centimeter)
Elite seats for the Embraer 170 and 84 for the Embraer 190. All
seats will be equipped with an in-flight entertainment (IFE) system
supplied by Thales providing audio and video on demand.
Virgin Nigeria is Nigeria’s private sector flag carrier,
with 51% owned by Nigerian institutional investors and 49% by
Virgin Atlantic. The airline was formed in September 2004, when the
Nigerian Government announced the selection of Virgin Atlantic
Airways as the strategic investor and technical partner in the
project.