Azul Brazilian Airlines has welcomed its first E195-E2 aircraft at Embraer’s headquarters in São José dos Campos, São Paulo, Brazil.

Azul has leased the aircraft, which is equipped with American manufacturer Pratt & Whitney’s GTF engines, from AerCap. It will enter commercial operations in October.

In April, the E195-E2 was certified by the Agência Nacional de Aviação Civil (ANAC), the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the European Aviation Safety Administration (EASA).

The aircraft is more efficient compared to the previous-generation E195, offering a fuel consumption reduction of more than 25.4% per seat.

The NOx emission is 50% below the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Committee on Aviation Environmental Protection (CAEP)/6 regulation. It also complies with the ICAO Chapter 4 cumulative noise margin.

Azul Linhas Aereas CEO John Rodgerson said: “We are thrilled to be the first airline in the world to put the E195-E2 into commercial service.

“I would like to thank Embraer, AerCap and Pratt & Whitney for providing such an exceptional addition to our growing fleet. The game-changing GTF technology will enable us to fly quieter, consume less fuel and reduce emissions.”

The company has a firm order in place for the delivery of 51 E195-E2 aircraft. In addition, Pratt & Whitney will perform engine maintenance under a 12-year EngineWise Comprehensive service agreement.

Pratt & Whitney commercial engines president Chris Calio said: “On behalf of the entire Pratt & Whitney team, I’d like to congratulate Embraer and Azul Linhas Aereas on this exciting occasion.

“We are honoured to power the E195-E2 and look forward to delivering the GTF’s significant economic and environmental benefits when it enters service next month.”