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Republic Airways Holdings has signed a contract with the Brazilian aeroplane manufacturer Embraer for the purchase of 47 Embraer 175 jetliners, with an option for an additional 47 of the aircraft.

The deal, which is subject to court approval, could reach a total value of approximately $4bn when exercised with the optional order.

The new E175s will be operated by Republic Airlines, a subsidiary of Republic Airways Holdings, under American Eagle brand in the American Airlines regional network.

With this order, Republic Airways will have 179 E-Jets in its fleet, including 72 E170s and 107 E175s, 226 if all options are exercised.

Republic Airways is expected to receive the first aircraft in mid-2013.

.Embraer Commercial Aviation president and chief executive officer Paulo Cesar Silva said: "The E175 is the most comfortable, technologically advanced and efficient aircraft in its class and it represents the best value for airlines because it also delivers the lowest total operating cost."

"Republic Airways is expected to receive the first aircraft in mid-2013."

Powered by GE CF34-8E engines, the E175 has a maximum takeoff weight of 82,673lbs, can accommodate up to 76 passengers, and offers significant cost advantages to airlines, according to Embraer.

To date, more than 150 E175s are in service with 12 carriers worldwide.

Embraer stated that it would continue to invest in the E-Jets family, which is operated by some 60 airlines from 40 countries globally.

The company has started implementing a series of improvements to the current generation of E-Jets, including new wing tips, systems optimisation and aerodynamic refinements that are expected to offer fuel efficiency by 5%.

Republic will be the first customer to receive E175 aircraft with these enhancements, which will offer longer maintenance intervals and component improvements.

Republic Airways Holdings, headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, owns Chautauqua Airlines, Frontier Airlines, Republic Airlines and Shuttle America, which together operate 280 aircraft with 1,500 flights daily to over 145 cities in the US.

Image: Republic Airways’ new E175 aeroplanes will be operated under American Eagle brand in the American Airlines’ regional network. Photo: Embraer SA.