Langkawi, Malaysia, 25 May 2023: Malaysia’s new commercial carrier, SKS Airways entered strategic partnerships with two leading aviation players, Embraer Commercial Aviation and Azorra for the leasing of 10 Embraer E195-E2s, at the 16th Langkawi International Maritime & Aerospace (LIMA) Exhibition. Based on the list price of an E195-E2, the 10 jets are worth more than USD840 million and will pave the way for SKS Airways to unlock new growth opportunities in the region.
The E195-E2s will form the core of SKS Airways’ expansion plans and will be based at Subang Airport, Kuala Lumpur’s (KL) city airport from 2024. The E195-E2 jet is the world’s most efficient single-aisle aircraft with the lowest fuel and noise emissions. It has a range of 2,600nm, the equivalent of about seven hours of flight. The airline’s E195-E2 will be configured with a seating capacity for 136 passengers.
The aircraft are scheduled to be delivered to SKS Airways starting in January 2024, making SKS Airways the first regional airline operating out of Subang. SKS Airways is the first operator of the Embraer E195-E2 in Southeast Asia and is expected to allocate them across its operations. The growing demand for regional routes and the economic performance of the E195-E2 while being more environmentally friendly are among the main drivers for SKS Airways’ decision to select Embraer E195-E2 jets.
The transaction includes a 12-year Operating Lease Agreements for ten Embraer E195-E2s to provide flexibility to SKS Airways to realise its future growth opportunities. The signing also includes the repair and maintenance of the aircraft. The agreements were signed by SKS Airways Director, Dato’ Rohman Ahmad and Mr John Evans, CEO of Azorra for the Lease Agreements, and Johann Bordais, President & CEO of Embraer Services & Support for Embraer Pool Agreement, Recommended Spares Provisioning List Part Agreement and Embraer Collaborative Inventory Planning Programme Agreement.
The signing ceremony took place at LIMA 2023 and was graced by The Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah ibni Almarhum Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Al-Musta’in Billah.
Other guests of honour include the Minister of Transport, YB Tuan Loke Siew Fook and the Ambassador of Brazil to Malaysia, H.E. Mr Ary Norton de Murat Quintella. This marks a significant milestone for SKS Airways as it embarks on a new phase of growth of becoming a leading commercial airline.
Dato Rohman Ahmad, SKS Airways Director, said “This is a significant day for the future of aviation in Malaysia. We are delighted to announce the successful signing of these agreements with leading industry players like Embraer and Azorra who share our vision for the future of air travel. With these strategic partnerships, we are excited to embark on a new phase of growth, with a fleet of Embraer’s jets operating out of Subang. The prevalence of the E-Jets at city airports around the world and the low noise emissions of the E195-E2 makes the aircraft a perfect fit for flights in and out of Subang Airport – supporting the Government’s aim to establish Subang Airport as Malaysia’s premium city airport and aviation hub.”
Mr John Evans, CEO of Azorra said “We are pleased to partner with SKS Airways on this unique opportunity to be a part of the future expansion of Subang Airport. We believe Embraer’s new technology E2 is the perfect fit for a redeveloped, premier aviation hub near the heart of Kuala Lumpur, reducing travel times and improving connectivity in the region. The E2’s fuel efficiency, carbon footprint and low noise emissions offer a transformative, environmentally conscious jet solution for the city, the region and its residents.”
Mr Martyn Holmes, Chief Commercial Officer, Embraer Commercial Aviation, said, “The E2 is the aircraft family of choice for airlines around the world seeking to develop their regional routes. As the most modern and efficient single-aisle aircraft, the E195-E2 will deliver value to our first Malaysian operator, SKS Airways, in its quest to grow regional connectivity within Malaysia and beyond. We welcome SKS Airways to the Embraer family and we look forward to growing our collaboration and partnerships in Malaysia as the country grows to become a major aerospace hub.”
Aligned with the Government’s Subang Airport Regeneration Plan (“SARP”) to transform Malaysia’s Subang Airport into a premium city airport and regional aviation hub, SKS Airways is making a strategic move to expand its operations and position itself as a significant player in the region.
SKS Airways selected the Embraer E195-E2, citing its exceptional efficiency, comfort, performance and low noise emissions as the reason behind the decision. E195-E2 is the world’s most efficient single-aisle aircraft with the lowest fuel and noise emissions.
The E-Jets family of aircraft is a city airport specialist – airlines have deployed the E-Jets on routes to and from city airports around the world. For instance, the E-Jets represent 86% of total flights operating in London City Airport.
SKS Airways is committed to revolutionising air travel and providing customers with unparalleled services and experiences. The agreements with these industry players will enable SKS Airways to strengthen its position in the industry and provide customers, especially business travellers with more options.
