ANA expands Embraer E190-E2 order to strengthen its Japan regional network

All Nippon Airways (ANA) has expanded its commitment to Embraer’s next-generation regional jet family, with an order for a further eight E190-E2 aircraft.

The Japanese full-service carrier updated its order book with Embraer as it seeks to boost its domestic connectivity, at a time when travel to and within Japan is booming.

ANA adds E-jets to its order book

ANA said its board had approved the additional firm order on 29 July, taking its total E190-E2 commitment to 28 aircraft.

That figure comprises the 20 aircraft announced in February 2025 – including 15 firm orders and five purchase options – plus the latest eight firm aircraft.

The new aircraft will be deployed to support an expanded ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) arrangement for ANA-operated domestic services.

ANA’s current regional fleet comprises 24 De Havilland Canada DHC-8-400s, alongside 36 A320 family aircraft and 38 Boeing 737s. 

Embraer regional aircraft for a domestic market

Powered by Pratt & Whitney geared turbofan engines, the E190-E2 offers substantially lower fuel burn and noise levels than earlier regional aircraft. 

ANA believes those improvements will help reduce operating costs across Japan’s domestic market.

Announcing the latest order, ANA Holdings president and chief executive Koji Shibata said: “This additional E190-E2 order accelerates our efforts to build a sustainable regional aviation network in Japan.

“We are excited to deepen our partnership, elevating regional connectivity and delivering a superior passenger experience across Japan.”

The order also strengthens ANA’s relationship with the Brazilian planemaker. Embraer’s aircraft have operated in Japan since 2009, but the E2 family has yet to enter commercial service in the country.

Building on ANA’s fleet renewal strategy

ANA first selected the E190-E2 in February 2025 as part of a wider fleet renewal programme aimed at improving efficiency and passenger comfort on domestic services.

Martyn Holmes, Embraer’s chief commercial officer for commercial aviation, said the selection was a “perfect” fit for ANA.

“We are honoured that Embraer’s E190-E2 small narrowbody aircraft will join ANA’s fleet,” he said when the original agreement in 2025 was announced.

Holmes highlighted the aircraft’s low operating costs and cabin design, noting that its two-by-two seating layout eliminates middle seats while offering larger windows, increased overhead baggage space, and individual passenger service units.

“The E190-E2 is the quietest and most fuel-efficient aircraft available, whose size perfectly complements ANA’s fleet of larger narrowbodies,” he said.

“Furthermore, the E2’s cabin will appeal to ANA’s passengers as it offers outstanding comfort and space with no middle seats. We look forward to seeing the aircraft take to the skies across Japan.”