Widerøe confirmed it will be the E190-E2 launch operator. Delivery of the first aircraft is scheduled for the first half of 2018. Embraer is confident of its schedule. Currently Widerøe operates a Bombardier turboprop fleet of 41 aircraft. The selection of the Embraer was something of a surprise to many. But the CS100 is too large for the airline’s requirements. This decision is interesting as it may be a guide for other airlines that are also considering aircraft of this size. The Widerøe E190-E2’s will have a single class with 114 seats.
Widerøe is based in Norway and is a regional operator. The airline’s deal with Embraer for up to 15 E2 aircraft; three firm E190-E2 orders and purchase rights for a dozen more. Widerøe CEO Stein Nilsen said in a statement that the three firm order aircraft would be deployed on regular flights from its Bergen and Oslo hubs. The turboprops will remain on routes with STOL requirements. “We are very proud we will be the first airline in the world to operate the E190-E2,” he said. “Knowing the hard-work Embraer is doing in the certification campaign, especially in terms of maturity, we have every confidence in a smooth entry into service. The E190-E2 will be a big leap in Widerøe’s history, and our planning for the first deliveries is now well underway.”
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