NEW YORK— Mexicana de Aviación ordered 20 next-generation Embraer E2 aircraft, including 10 E190-E2s and 10 E195-E2s.
The fledgling state-owned carrier expects deliveries to begin in Q2 2025 and will subsequently be the first operator of Embraer E2 aircraft in Mexico.
The E190-E2 aircraft will seat 108, while the E105-E2 will seat 132, adding to their existing fleet of three Boeing 737-800 aircraft and two Embraer ERJ-145 aircraft.
Mexicana will use the aircraft to grow and modernize its fleet while increasing its domestic and international route network.
Notably, both configurations forego a designated business-class product, instead opting to maintain a one-class interior for their aircraft.
A New Mexicana
In August of 2023, the Mexican Government announced the creation of Aerlínea del Estado Mexicano, a new state-funded airline.
The new airline was created to offer competitive ticket prices to make travel more accessible within the Mexican domestic aviation market.
It shares the same name with a now-defunct airline, which ceased operations in 2010. The former Mexicana Airlines was a staple of the aviation industry, having operated since 1921.
Additional movement within the Mexican aviation industry, including the bankruptcy of low-cost carrier Interjet, will test the viability of the newly launched airline.
Further, Aerlínea del Estado Mexicano will face formidable competition from established Mexican airlines operating a similar low-cost model, such as VivaAerobus and Volais.
Since the relaunch, Aerlínea del Estado Mexicano has transported over 115,000 passengers across 18 destinations over 3,280 flight hours.
Embraer E2 Key Data
Launched at the 2013 Paris Air Show, the E2 family of aircraft is the successors to the widely successful E-Jet series.
Powered by Pratt & Whitney PW1900G engines, the E2 jets offer favorable economic benefits for operators, including 25.4% better fuel efficiency per seat, and up to 10% reduction in fuel burn compared to first generation E-Jets (according to Embraer).
The E2 series aircraft have become popular among airlines operating short-to-medium haul routes, and can be seen flying for KLM Cityhopper, Azul Airlines, and Porter Airlines, among others.
Facing stiff competition from Volaris and vivaAerobus, each with substantial next-generation aircraft, the desirable operational costs offered by the E2 jets will be key for Mexicana’s success.
The Rundown
- Mexicana de Aviación ordered 20 next-generation Embraer E2 aircraft, including 10 E190-E2s and 10 E195-E2s.
- Mexicana will use the aircraft to grow and modernize its fleet while increasing its domestic and international route network.
- The desirable operational costs offered by the E2 jets will be key for Mexicana’s success.