Embraer bags regional jet orders from Helvetic Airways and Air Côte d’Ivoire at Dubai Airshow 2025
November 17, 2025
Embraer, the Brazilian aircraft manufacturer, has recorded its first orders at this year’s Dubai Airshow.
The orders, announced on the first day of the event, will see Helvetic Airways accept up to eight additional Embraer E195-E2 aircraft from the manufacturer, while Air Côte d’Ivoire will add four of the smaller E175s to its fleet for short-haul operations.
Helvetic is growing its E2 fleet
Swiss airline Helvetic Airways has placed firm orders for three additional Embraer E195-E2 aircraft, with options on a further five additional aircraft.
This latest order will enable Helvetic Airways to grow its E2 fleet from 12 aircraft currently to up to 20 aircraft over the coming years, strengthening the carrier’s position as a leading European operator of Embraer’s advanced E-Jet family.
Helvetic Airways first ordered the E2 variant of its popular E195 regional jet in 2018, with a firm order for 12 E190-E2s, which included conversion rights for those orders to be upgraded later to the E195-E2. The airline currently operates eight E190-E2s, four E195-E2s, four E190s, and four E195s.
The first aircraft of the new batch is scheduled for delivery at the end of 2026. Each E195-E2 will be configured with 134 seats in Helvetic’s single-class layout.
According to the planemaker’s statement, the order for more E2 jets “reinforces the Swiss carrier’s commitment to modern and sustainable aviation.”
The latest E2 jets, operating alongside the airline’s current Embraer fleet, will be deployed across Helvetic’s scheduled, charter, and wet-lease operations.
The airline was the first to operate the E190-E2 and the E195-E2 E2 aircraft into London City Airport on behalf of long-standing partner Swiss International Air Lines in March, showcasing the aircraft’s steep approach capabilities.
“We are proud to deepen our partnership with Embraer through this further order for the E2,” said Tobias Pogorevc, CEO of Helvetic Airways. “The E195-E2 is the ideal aircraft for our network, offering exceptional fuel efficiency, low noise emissions, and a high-quality passenger experience.”
“This order supports our modern fleet strategy and sustainability goals while maintaining operational flexibility across Europe. It will also enhance our ability to serve various European customers through our ACMI operations,” he said.
Arjan Meijer, President and CEO of Embraer Commercial Aviation, added: “Helvetic Airways continues to demonstrate the versatility and value of the E2 family in European operations.”
“Their decision to expand the E195-E2 fleet is a strong endorsement of the aircraft’s performance, economics, and environmental credentials. We’re proud to support Helvetic’s growth and their role in delivering reliable, efficient service in their main area of wet-lease operations.”
Air Côte d’Ivoire enters the Embraer family
Meanwhile, in addition to the Helvetic order, Air Côte d’Ivoire, the national airline of Africa’s Ivory Coast, has ordered four Embraer E175s plus has placed options on a further eight aircraft.
The aircraft will be used to expand its short-haul and regional operations from its base at Abidjan (ABJ) to points across West Africa.
Until now, the carrier has operated an almost exclusively Airbus-dominated fleet, with the incoming E175s being the first Embraer types the airline has operated since it deployed a leased example briefly from 2013 to 2015.
Currently, the carrier’s fleet is made up of five A319s, three A320s, and a single widebody in the form of an A330-900neo, which was only delivered in October.
For short flights, the airline employs four De Havilland Canada DHC-8-Q400s, which will eventually be replaced by the Embraer jets. Deliveries are due to commence in 2027.
The new jets will be configured with 76 seats in a two-class layout featuring 12 seats in business class and 64 in Economy.
The E175 marks an important step for Air Côte d’Ivoire
Laurent Loukou, CEO of Air Côte d’Ivoire, remarked that the order “marks an important step in our fleet development strategy.” He noted the E175 is “perfectly suited to our domestic and regional ambitions” and its capacity is “perfectly adapted to the size of African markets.”
Loukou added the jet enables the airline “to gradually phase out our turboprop fleet” and operate more efficiently while “improving our economic performance with better operating costs and profitability.”
Arjan Meijer of Embraer added, “We are honoured to welcome Air Côte d’Ivoire to the E-Jet family.” He added that the E175 “is a proven performer on the continent” and its capabilities “are a perfect match for the airline’s vision.”
With the Air Côte d’Ivoire order, Embraer highlighted its market presence in Africa, with 250 aircraft currently in operation across 56 different operators. The manufacturer holds a 31% market share in the African market for aircraft with a capacity of up to 150 seats.
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Featured image: Christian Palent / stock.adobe.com
