Overland Airways Receives First Embraer E175
Summary
- Overland Airways has taken delivery of its first Embraer E175, which is set to strengthen connectivity in Nigeria’s regional aviation market.
- The new E175s will boost Overland Airways’ capacity and help revitalize its operations, which have been affected by delays and disruption.
- The aircraft has become the largest type in Overland Airways’ fleet.
Nigeria’s Overland Airways has taken delivery of its first Embraer E175, the Brazilian aircraft manufacturer has confirmed. The domestic jet is the first of three new aircraft set to join Overland Airways’ fleet over the coming years, which also holds options for three more jets to expand its operations even further.
Strengthening connectivity
In a statement shared by Embraer on Thursday, Head of Africa & Middle East Region Stephan Hannemann noted the positive impact of the new aircraft on Nigeria and West Africa’s regional connectivity. Hannemann explained,
“The delivery of Overland’s first new E175 marks the beginning of an exciting chapter for the airline and Embraer. Nigeria represents one of the fastest growing aviation markets in the world; Overland and Embraer are committed to the support of its continued success with a product line perfectly suited to build connectivity across West Africa.”
Photo: Overland Airways
The nearly $300 million deal is set to bolster Overland Airways’ capacity and add additional expansion opportunities through Nigeria, supplementing its current all-turboprop operations. Overland Airways Managing Director Captain Edward Boyo added,
Overland has an ecosystem of aviation excellence crowned with its E175 fleet. With Embraer, we now have very flexible options to grow our fleet and capacity to meet all future demand.
Operational boost
The carrier has notably struggled with delays and disruption through 2022 and 2023 alongside other Nigerian domestic operators. According to Business Day, Overland Airways recorded the most significant proportion of flight delays in Nigeria in 2022, soaring to nearly 84% of services affected; however, the new E175s may just revitalize its operations.
Offering seating for up to 88 passengers across two classes, the E175s will become the largest aircraft in Overland Airways’ fleet. The carrier additionally operates three ATR 42 and one ATR 72, each averaging over 30 years old.
Alongside bolstering its services, Overland Airways is also eyeing corporate growth. The carrier has already built a new office and hangar around Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed International Airport (LOS) to meet growing demand.
Order up!
Embraer’s E-series is proving to be a popular choice with regional operators across Africa, including South Africa’s Airlink, Madagascar Airlines, and Eswatini Air, all taking deliveries of Embraer jets in 2023.
Photo: Embraer
Fellow Nigerian operator Air Peace is also looking to bolster its Embraer fleet, ordering five E175s earlier this week. Deliveries are set to begin in 2024, strengthening its current operational capacity.
The carrier currently operates five of the larger E195-E2 alongside a mix of Boeing, Dornier, and Embraer aircraft, with the E175 eyed to slot into Air Peace’s regional and domestic network, expanding current coverage.
Over the next several years, Nigeria’s operators are set to take on up to 40 brand new aircraft, This Day reports, ranging from an existing Air Peace Boeing 737 MAX order, Overland Airways’ two remaining E175s, and Ibom Air’s upcoming Airbus order. Deliveries are expected through 2025.
What are your thoughts on Overland Airways’ new fleet additions? What routes would you like to see the carrier operate? Let us know in the comments.
Sources: Business Day, This Day
