TUI Group selects Embraer E195-E2 to join fleet of TUI fly Belgium

TUI Group has selected Embraer’s E195-E2, the quietest and most efficient aircraft under 150 seats, to join the TUI fly Belgium fleet. TUI, one of the world’s leading tourism groups, will take delivery of three E195-E2 from AerCap on a long-term lease. The aircraft, from AerCap’s existing fleet and powered by Pratt & Whitney GTF engines, will be delivered in a comfortable 136-seat, single-class configuration, in the first half of 2023.

The Embraer E195-E2 aircraft will be deployed in the first half of next year at Antwerp airport where they will be based. They will replace the Embraer E190 operational since 2016 at TUI fly Belgium. Due to the resulting strong reduction in CO2 emissions, this step further reinforces TUI fly’s achievements in reducing its environmental footprint. The halving of noise emissions also contributes to the well-being of people living near the airport. As was the case for the introduction of other aircraft types, TUI Group gave TUI fly Belgium first.

“We are thrilled to add the E195-E2 to our Belgium fleet. Operating on short and medium-haul routes, the new aeroplane is the most efficient aircraft in the market. It uses less fuel, and has a longer range, while at the same time is 50% quieter and emits up to a third less carbon dioxide. The aeroplanes will operate mostly out of Antwerp, from where they will fly to more distant airports, which will allow us to expand into new holiday destinations from Northern Belgium”, said Marco Ciomperlik, Chief Airline Officer, TUI Group.

“The selection of the E195-E2 is an important milestone to make TUI’s fleet even more efficient in support of our sustainability goals. Working together with AerCap, Embraer and Pratt & Whitney, we have agreed on an attractive package that enables TUI to provide travellers from regional airports in Belgium an even better start to their holidays,” added Tom Chandler, Managing Director Fleet and Asset Management, TUI Group

“We are very pleased to announce the lease placement of three E195-E2s with TUI. AerCap has a long history of working with TUI and we are excited to be a part of their fleet renewal plan,” said Peter Anderson, Chief Commercial Officer of AerCap. “The E195-E2s are the perfect aircraft to support TUI’s operations with greater versatility and improved efficiencies, enabling them to meet their sustainability commitments. We wish TUI every success with the E2-Jets, and we look forward to working with them as these aircraft deliver.”

Martyn Holmes, Chief Commercial Officer, Embraer Commercial Aviation, added, “We welcome TUI, already operators of the first generation E190, to the E2 family of operators. The economics of the E195-E2 combined with its comfort is a win-win for TUI – allowing the operator to increase capacity and delight their guests, while still reducing fuel costs and lowering emissions. We’re pleased to continue our long relationship with TUI and thank AerCap for their partnership.”

Founded in 2004, TUI fly Belgium is Belgium’s second-largest airline. It can boast of a good track record for the renewal of its fleet and therefore for its sustainability. In 2013, it was the first to introduce the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. In 2016, four Embraer E190s followed, and in 2018 it hosted four Boeing 737-8s. All of the most modern aircraft types represented remarkable progress in terms of reducing CO2 and noise emissions. Next year, a new stage will take place with the introduction of three Embraer E195-E2.

These three aircraft replace the E190 aircraft that were largely deployed in Antwerp. The advantages of the new type lie mainly in three important areas:

• The plane has 136 seats, 24 more than the 112 seats of the E190. The configuration of the cabin at Embraer (two seats side by side instead of three, very popular with couples) is also retained on the new model.
• Thanks to more technologically efficient engines and aerodynamic adjustments, CO2 emissions per seat are 33% lower than those of the Embraer E190. Under a normal flight schedule, this means 29.7 tonnes fewer emissions per seat per year.
• During take-off and landing, the noise of the E195-E2 is up to 50% lower than that of the E190. This gives the E195-E2 the quietest aircraft status in the regional segment, the smallest aircraft type. Both noise and emissions reduction are “Chapter 14 certified”.

The distance that this new aircraft can fly also increases considerably. Until now, TUI fly did not fly more than 1,900 kilometres from Antwerp. Depending on runway length, flight occupancy and wind direction, the E195-E2 can cover a distance of up to 4,455 kilometres. Due to the limited length of the runway in Antwerp, the aircraft can serve destinations up to a maximum of 2,280 kilometres. Ultimately, this expanded scope offers prospects for new, more distant destinations.

Gunther Hofman, Managing Director of TUI fly Western Region: “In the past, TUI fly Belgium has already proven that it has always strived to take initiatives for more environmentally friendly aviation. We are therefore particularly delighted that TUI fly gives us the opportunity to introduce the innovative E195-E2 exclusively to Belgian travellers. It is also very important to be able to write a positive ecological story in the immediate vicinity of Antwerp airport.”

The delivery of the three E195-E2s is scheduled for spring 2023. They will be quickly operational and will replace the current aircraft.

Amsterdam, October 20, 2022