Rendering of a Republic Airways aircraft. Credit: Embraer.

US-based carrier Republic Airways has signed a letter of intent (LoI) with Embraer for the purchase of up to 200 E175 jets worth $9.3bn.

The deal includes a firm order for 100 E175 aircraft, with the right to convert them to E175-E2 aircraft. It also includes purchase rights for an additional 100 E175 jets.

Embraer has now sold 520 E175 jets to North American airlines since January 2013.

Republic Airways president and CEO Bryan Bedford said: “Over the past two decades we have acquired more than 350 jets through our partnership with Embraer.

“Through this partnership we have delivered industry leading safety, service and reliability to our codeshare partners, and this order positions Republic to focus on the next stage of growth in the North American regional market.

“Through this partnership we have delivered industry leading safety, service and reliability to our codeshare partners.”

“The E-Jet has proven to be a product that allows Republic to provide a reliable and seamless product experience with our mainline partners, and when coupled with our 5,500 dedicated aviation professionals, it delivers on our long-term vision of being the regional airline of choice.”

Republic Airways currently operates a fleet of nearly 190 Embraer 170/175 jets, providing scheduled passenger services to various US states, Canada, the Caribbean and Central America.

The airline also offers fixed-fee flights under its major airline partner brands American Eagle, Delta Connection and United Express.

Embraer Commercial Aviation president and CEO John Slattery said: “Republic is a critical component of Embraer’s history and we are absolutely committed to providing a product that appeals to their customers while delivering solutions that increase profitability.”

In a separate development, Embraer and Swiss airline Helvetic Airways have signed a LoI for a total of 24 E2 jets.

The $1.5bn deal includes an order for 12 E190-E2 and purchase rights for a further 12, with conversion rights for the E195-E2 planes.