Canada's Porter Airlines is gearing up for the delivery of the first Embraer E2 aircraft in North America. In March, the airline shared photos of the aircraft on the production line at Embraer's facilities in São José Dos Campos, Brazil. Since then, the airline has also posted updates of its first Embraer aircraft being painted and receiving its wings.

Porter Airlines E195 E2

Canadian regional airline based in Toronto, Porter Airlines is expecting delivery of its first Embraer E195 E2 aircraft later this year. On July 12, 2021, Porter announced it would be placing an order for 30 of the Embraer aircraft. This order was a surprise in the aviation world as Porter had suspended operations in 2020, and at the time of the announcement, operations were still suspended.

Porter's order for 30 of Embraer's next-generation commercial jets is the first in North America. The Canadian airline placed a firm order for 30 aircraft and has 50 more on option. If Porter decides to add another 50 195 E2 aircraft to its order, it will become the world's largest operator of the E2.

At the end of May, the airline shared that over 500 of its team members had the opportunity to see the E195 E2 demo aircraft in Toronto. As of now, there has been no official announcement for the aircraft's delivery to Porter.

The E195 E2 will be used to create a large continental route network for Porter, flying coast to coast in Canada, and in the US, Mexico, and the Caribbean. The new jets will more than double the range the airline can currently fly with its Dash 8 aircraft.

Last year, when the order was announced, Michael Deluce, President and CEO of Porter Airlines spoke on the importance of the addition of the 195 E2 to Porter's fleet.

Embraer's family of E2 aircraft include the E175, E190, and E195. These aircraft are the most environmentally friendly on the market, making them a great option for airlines needing aircraft up to 150 seats.

Why the E2 aircraft are not flying in the US

Because of scope clauses in the United States, airlines have not been able to order jets from Embraer's E2 family. Airlines in the United States have contracts with regional carriers and pilots that include scope clauses which limit the size of aircraft that regional carriers can operate.

Although the new E2 family is more efficient and environmentally friendly, the Brazilian aircraft manufacturer used heavier engines on the design of these aircraft. The heavier engines push the E2 aircraft out of scope, creating a big barrier to sales and environmental improvements.