LONDON – In great news for the Brazilian aircraft manufacturer, Singaporean low-cost airline Scoot has ordered 9 Embraer E190-E2 jets, marking the type’s first commercial debut in the whole of Asia.
Scoot, the subsidiary of Singapore Airlines (SIA), has inked a letter of intent with the Irish aircraft lessor, Azzora to induct 9 Embraer E2’s to its fleet of an already modern family of aircraft.
It is understood that the delivery schedule for these new Brazilian regional jets is slated by the end of 2025, should all go to plan.
Strengthened regional backbone
The Embraer E190 E2 will back Scoot as a regional powerhouse in South East Asia, not the entire continent. Scoot currently operates over 50 aircraft, which includes the ultra-efficient Airbus A320neo, with 6 of them in service and 12 on order.
Completing the narrowbody line-up are 24 older but reliable A320s, and 9 A321neo’s with 7 more on order.
The carrier also operates 10 Boeing 787-8s with 3 on order and 10 787-9s with 4 ordered. Soon Embraer will join the fold from 2024 and onwards.
The stronger regional backbone will allow the airline to operate to more destinations or increase additional frequencies without inflating too many operating costs.
In fact, the airline stated that the new Brazilian-made jets will allow the airline to expand efficiently and to match capacity to some of its demand and give an enhanced regional network:
“Expanding Scoot’s fleet to include nine new E190-E2 aircraft enables us to continue operating a modern and fuel-efficient fleet.”
“It also affirms our commitment to offering even more travel opportunities for our customers at the same great value,” stated Scoot’s chief executive Leslie Thng.
Possible Routes
Several routes are being touted with the introduction of the Embraer E2 jets. Our best guess is in Malaysia and Thailand.
In Thailand, contenders such as Chiang Mai, Surat Thani, Ranong, Hua Hin and the most talked about – Koh Samui Airport. Koh Samui Airport is unique, with its short runway allowing Bangkok Airways to monopolise much of its departure and arrivals with the A319, which Scoot does not have.
The E2 can disrupt the Bangkok Airways monopoly on the Samui-Singapore route for instance. In Malaysia, contenders such as Redang Island or Kuala Lumpur Subang Airport are also strong possibilities.
The E2 has short landing capabilities and is small in size compared to the Airbus A320 or the Boeing 737. Subang to Singapore route is flown by Firefly with the ATR to Singapore’s secondary airport, Seletar.
The E2 can fly from Changi to Subang Airport, seamlessly opening a new market. Emerging markets like Luang Prabang in Laos and Sihanoukville in Cambodia are also viable options for the new Scoot E2.
A darling for the regional sector
The E190-E2 hits the sweet spot in the ‘regional sector’ as it is ultra-efficient, and seats up to 112 passengers in a single-class (economy) configuration.
It is expected that the airline will fly the aircraft on short-medium haul flights and as long as up to five hours.
The E2 is set to transform Scoot into an efficient regional airline.
