TUI Belgium opts for three Embraer E2 jets to expand into new destinations

European travel company TUI is adding three Embraer E195-E2 aircraft to its Belgian fleet for summer 2023, the first E2 aircraft for the group.

The aircraft, in a single-class configuration with 136 seats, will be used by TUI Belgium on short and medium-haul routes from regional airports in the country, the vacation specialist said on October 20, 2022.

“The airplanes will operate mostly out of Antwerp, from where they will fly to more distant airports, which will allow us to expand into new holiday destinations from Northern Belgium.” said Marco Ciomperlik, Chief Airline Officer, TUI Group.

The three new aircraft, powered by Pratt & Whitney GTF engines, will be leased from AerCap, with deliveries scheduled to take place between March and May 2023, the companies announced.

AerCap was the launch lessor customer of Embraer’s E-Jets E2 program in 2019. It has a total of 45 Embraer E190-E2s and E195-E2s owned and on order.

TUI already operates the first generation of the E190, Embraer noted. “The economics of the E195-E2 combined with its comfort, is a win-win for TUI – allowing the operator to increase capacity and delight their guests, while still reducing fuel costs and lowering emissions,” commented Martyn Holmes, Chief Commercial Officer, Embraer Commercial Aviation