News Release

Embraer 135 added to Eastern Airways fleet

Eastern Airways has taken delivery of an Embraer 135 jet aircraft and signed a lease agreement for a second, which will increase its fleet of aircraft to 30.

The UK independent regional airline had previously operated an all turbo-prop fleet, consisting of 29-seater British Aerospace Jetstream 41 and 50-seater Saab 2000 aircraft. These aircraft are used on its domestic network, Norwegian scheduled services, as well as private charter flights.

A lease deal has been signed between the airline and GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS) for the 37-seater Embraer regional jets. Delivery of the first jet aircraft (serial number 145189) took place last month with the second aircraft (serial number 145198) expected on Wednesday 7 July 2010.

The Embraer aircraft will be assigned to the charter flying programme serving blue-chip companies, corporations and individual groups across the UK and mainland Europe.

With a cruising speed of 502mph and two Rolls Royce engines, the aircraft is the fastest passenger jet available in the 30-40 seat market.

Chris Holliday, Eastern Airways' chief operating officer, said: "The Embraer jet complements our fleet and gives us tremendous flexibility as we can now offer 29, 37 and 50 seat aircraft to the private charter market. We will also be able to adjust capacity to meet demand on scheduled services as and when required.

"We have operated Embraers in the past and the time is now right to reintroduce this fast 37-seater to fill a gap primarily in the charter market serving central and eastern Europe."

Eastern Airways also has eight Saab 2000 in its fleet and is the largest operator in the world of Jetstream 41 aircraft with 20.

A comprehensive network of domestic flights to suit business travellers link cities the length and breadth of the UK and the airline also flies to Bergen and Stavanger in Norway.