Scandinavian regional airline Widerøe has entered a deal with Embraer to acquire up to 15 new E2 family aircraft, which includes three firm orders for E190-E2 and purchase rights for 12 E2 planes.

If all options are exercised, the order will be worth $873m at current list prices.

“The result of our evaluation determined the E2 family of aircraft, coupled with Embraer's world-class customer support, as the best solution for our airline."

With the new order, Widerøe aims to grow its fleet with a family of aircraft from 80 to more than 130 seats, as well as configure the E190-E2s in a single-class layout with 114 seats.

Deliveries are expected to begin by next year.

Widerøe CEO Stein Nilsen said: "Our decision to choose the Embraer family of next-generation E2 aircraft for our move into jet operations is based on the need for a high-quality passenger experience, ease and flexibility of operations, and lowest through life costs.

“The result of our evaluation determined the E2 family of aircraft, coupled with Embraer's world-class customer support, as the best solution for our airline.

“The flexibility offered by Embraer's family of same type rated E2 aircraft will enable us to build a right sized fleet, as a supplement to our existing fleet, in accordance with market requirements."

Around 100 customers worldwide are currently operating Embraer’s ERJ and E-Jet families of aircraft.

Image: A Widerøe flight. Photo: courtesy of Embraer.