Airlink Schedules Initial E195-E2 Operations for Early 2026

Airlink will begin preliminary commercial operations with the Embraer E195-E2 on January 31, 2026, deploying the type on routes from Johannesburg and Cape Town.

According to Aeroroutes, inaugural flights will include Johannesburg–Hoedspruit and Cape Town–Hoedspruit, with expansion to other domestic routes in the following days.

The carrier’s E195-E2 schedule features additional launches such as Cape Town–Bloemfontein, Cape Town–George, Cape Town–Port Elizabeth, and Johannesburg–Durban from February 2, 2026.

Johannesburg–Nelspruit is planned to follow from February 7, 2026, broadening the aircraft’s presence across Airlink’s domestic network.

Airlink received its first three E195-E2s between September and October under a leasing agreement with Azorra. The deal covers up to ten aircraft for delivery through 2027.

The aircraft have been present in Johannesburg since delivery but have not operated any flights to date. Their introduction marks a fleet expansion phase for the regional airline.

Airlink’s deployment of the E195-E2 aligns with broader fleet renewal trends among African carriers seeking greater efficiency on domestic and regional routes.

Airlink currently operates an all-Embraer fleet of 70 aircraft: 29 E190s, six E195s, four E175s, three E170s, eleven ERJ140s and 17 ERJ145s. The new E2s will have 136 seats in a single-class layout, compared to 107 seats in the two-class E195s already in service.

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