Malaysia-based SKS Airways has ordered 10 Embraer E195-E2 aircraft to boost its growth plans for the region.
The deal with the Brazilian aircraft manufacturer was announced at the Langkawi International Maritime & Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA’23), with the two sides officially signing the papers on May 25, 2023.
SKS Airways will lease all 10 E195-E2s from Azorra, a United States-based aircraft lessor. All 10 aircraft will be based at Subang Airport (SZB), located approximately 25 kilometers (15.5 miles) away from Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia.
SKS Airways will become the first airline to operate the Embraer E195-E2 in Southeast Asia.
“This is a significant day for the future of aviation in Malaysia. We are delighted to announce the successful signing of these agreements with leading industry players like Embraer and Azorra who share our vision for the future of air travel,” said Dato’ Rohman Ahmad, the director of SKS Airways.
“The prevalence of the E-Jets at city airports around the world and the low noise emissions of the E195-E2 makes the aircraft a perfect fit for flights in and out of Subang Airport – supporting the Government’s aim to establish Subang Airport as Malaysia’s premium city airport and aviation hub,” Ahmad added.
Martyn Holmes, the chief commercial officer (CCO) of Embraer Commercial Aviation, said the manufacturer welcomed SKS Airways to the Embraer family, with the planemaker looking forward “to growing our collaboration and partnerships in Malaysia as the country continues to develop as a major aerospace hub”.
On May 23, 2023, Scoot, a subsidiary of Singapore Airlines, also announced a deal for nine Embraer E190-E2 jets. As with the order from SKS Airways, Scoot will lease the nine regional aircraft from Azorra, with deliveries scheduled to begin in 2024.
SKS Airways will also begin taking deliveries of the 10 E195-E2 aircraft starting in 2024.