Embraer and Airlink Enhance E2 Fleet Support with New Component Pool Program

Embraer and Airlink have advanced their longstanding partnership by signing a new Component Pool Program agreement to support Airlink's new fleet of ten Embraer E195-E2 jets. These aircraft, being leased from Azorra, represent the latest phase in Airlink's fleet modernisation strategy and further strengthen the regional carrier's dependence on Embraer's top-tier support ecosystem.

For over twenty years, Airlink has been committed to operating Embraer aircraft and is now recognised as Southern Africa’s foremost independent airline. The airline serves 47 destinations across 15 countries, including difficult and remote areas like Madagascar, St Helena Island, and Ascension Island, relying heavily on high reliability and operational resilience. Embraer’s Component Pool Program has been essential in maintaining this reliability, supporting Airlink’s all-Embraer fleet. The inclusion of the E2s expands the program’s coverage to 78 aircraft, ensuring smooth integration as the new generation jets begin service.

The Pool Program aims to minimise fleet downtime and improve operational availability by providing airlines with access to Embraer’s shared component inventory, repair services, and technical support. For airlines such as Airlink, which operate extensive regional networks where logistics and maintenance can be challenging, the advantages are significant. By lowering the cost and risk of maintaining and repairing a large stock of spare parts, the program enables operational resources to be utilised more efficiently while ensuring performance and quick turnaround times.

Airlink CEO de Villiers Engelbrecht underscored the importance of this agreement as the airline prepares to introduce its new E195-E2s into scheduled service. “Expanding the Embraer component inventory agreement to cover our new Embraer E195-E2S will provide us with the security we need as we deploy the aircraft. It will help us achieve the maximum operational, commercial, and economic benefits we expect to derive from the new additions to our fleet,” Engelbrecht said. His comments reflect Airlink’s strategic focus on reliability as a competitive advantage, particularly in a region where distances are vast, infrastructure varies considerably, and demand is growing.

The Embraer E2 series is acclaimed worldwide for its fuel efficiency, lower emissions, and advanced cabin experience. For Airlink, these aircraft represent a seamless transition from its existing E-Jet fleet, providing enhanced economics and performance suited for regional operations. By combining fleet growth with strong backing through the Pool Program, Airlink intends to maximise these advantages from the outset.

Embraer also emphasised the significance of this deepened collaboration. Carlos Naufel, President and CEO of Embraer Services & Support, hailed Airlink as an example of innovation and efficiency in the regional aviation sector. “We are proud to support the E2 operations at Airlink, a flagship example of innovation and efficiency in regional aviation. Embraer deeply values the trust Airlink has placed in our aircraft and services, and we remain dedicated to empowering their success with the most advanced solutions in the industry,” Naufel said. He added that the agreement reinforces Embraer’s commitment to operational excellence and its role in supporting Airlink’s growth strategy across Southern Africa.

Embraer's Component Pool Program remains a highly effective support service, delivering tailored after-sales solutions to airlines worldwide. Backed by Embraer's extensive service network and years of technical expertise, the program offers significant cost savings in component repairs, inventory management, and warehousing. Maintaining service levels and turnaround times it ensures predictable operations, which is essential for airlines in competitive markets with stringent scheduling requirements.

From a wider industry viewpoint, the agreement highlights Embraer's ongoing success in cultivating robust, service-focused partnerships with operators globally. Since its establishment in 1969, the Brazilian aerospace company has delivered over 9,000 aircraft, with an Embraer aircraft taking off somewhere in the world every 10 seconds. Currently, over 150 million passengers annually fly on Embraer aircraft, positioning the company as the global leader in commercial jets with up to 150 seats.