SalamAir Postpones E195-E2 Introduction Amid Engine Upgrade Issues

SalamAir (OV, Muscat) has decided to delay the delivery of its new Embraer E195-E2 aircraft following engine upgrade issues with the Pratt & Whitney PW1900G powerplants. Initially scheduled for delivery at the end of 2023, the new regional jets are now expected to join the fleet in 2026 or 2027.

In a statement to Brazilian aviation news site Airway, Embraer noted that the manufacturer had advised SalamAir not to accept delivery of the E2s at this time. The delay is attributed to ongoing work by Pratt & Whitney on an upgrade for the GTF engines, which is aimed at enhancing their resilience against the harsh, dusty conditions typical of the Middle East.

SalamAir signed a firm order with Embraer for six E195-E2s in June 2022, with these aircraft slated to feature a dual-class configuration accommodating 135 seats. The airline also holds options for an additional six jets. Despite this setback, SalamAir continues to expand its fleet; the Muscat-based carrier recently issued a call for ten A320s to further bolster its network.

Currently, the low-cost airline operates a fleet of 14 aircraft, which includes six A320-200Ns, five A321-200Ns, two A321-200NX(LR)s, and one A321-200(P2F) that has been parked since July 2024.

ch-aviation reached out to both SalamAir and Embraer for additional comments, but no further details were provided at the time of publication.

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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com