World’s first Embraer 195 aircraft visits Southampton Airport
2 October 2006:
Jan Halliday, The Mayor of Eastleigh, James E Brathwaite and Andrew Strong
Southampton Airport and Flybe today welcomed over 30 dignitaries onboard the brand new Embraer 195 aircraft, which visited the airport as part of its familiarisation tour of the country.
Guests were invited to be among the first people in the world to sit on the first Embraer 195. Andrew Strong, Flybe’s Chief Operating Officer provided details about the Embraer 195’s performance and future plans for the aircraft.
Flybe has become the first airline to take delivery of the Embraer 195 aircraft which will set new “five-star” standards in the industry for environmental performance, operating efficiency and cabin service. A total of 26 aircraft have been ordered by Flybe in a deal worth £504 million.
The aircraft can hold 118 passengers, using over 20% less fuel than the BAe 146 aircraft it is replacing, and which are currently being phased-out by Flybe. In addition, the aircraft will bring substantial reductions in noise levels of up to 35% over the BAe146. The introduction of the aircraft together with the existing Dash 8 Q400 aircraft, will mean that Flybe will have one of the youngest and most efficient aircraft fleets in the industry.
The new Embraer 195 will be deployed at all of Flybe’s major bases, including Southampton, Belfast, Channel Islands, Birmingham, Edinburgh and Glasgow. The first aircraft is anticipated to enter service at Southampton during the early part of 2007.
Andrew Strong, Chief Operating Officer at Flybe, said: “Consumers are increasingly becoming conscious of the environmental impact of modern transport, and this was a major reason for introducing an eco-labelled aircraft. With the Bombardier Q400s we've already purchased, we now not only have one of the youngest fleets in the industry but also one of the most environmentally-friendly. We hope that the UK Government will introduce the eco-labelling system which we are promoting with the introduction of the E195, so consumers can be made aware of how environmentally-aware their chosen airline is.“
James E Brathwaite, CBE, Chairman of South East of England Development Agency (SEEDA), said: “It was a great honour to be part of the world preview of the new Embraer 195 aircraft at Southampton Airport. This investment by Flybe will further enhance the great access links from Southampton Airport for people in the south east, whilst also being one of the most modern and environmentally friendly aircraft currently available.“
Jan Halliday, Director of Communications at Southampton Airport, said: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome the brand new Embraer 195 aircraft to Southampton Airport. We work closely with our airline partners to encourage the use of quiet and environmentally friendly aircraft and Flybe are really embracing this.”
For further information on this story:
Contact: Debbie Chalk, Communications Executive
BAA Southampton Airport
Tel: 023 8062 7141
