Brazilian manufacturer of commercial jets, Embraer, said Monday that Finnair has agreed to acquire up to 46 E195-E2 aircraft, including 18 firm orders, as the Nordic carrier moves to replace older regional jets and expand its European operations.

In a press release published on March 23, the Brazilian aircraft manufacturer said the deal also includes 16 options and 12 purchase rights, with deliveries of the new aircraft scheduled to begin in the second half of 2027. The order will be added to Embraer’s backlog for the first quarter of 2026.

According to the companies, the new jets—configured with 134 seats—are expected to support Finnair’s strategy to grow profitably while improving efficiency and passenger comfort on short-haul routes. The Embraer E195-E2 is described by the manufacturer as one of the quietest single-aisle aircraft in its class and significantly more fuel-efficient than earlier-generation aircraft currently used in the airline’s fleet.

“This is one of the largest investments in Finnair’s 102-year-old history and a vital step in our strategy,” Finnair chief executive Turkka Kuusisto said in the statement, adding that the aircraft will help strengthen the airline’s European network while supporting its environmental targets through lower carbon emissions.

Arjan Meijer, president and chief executive of Embraer Commercial Aviation, said the agreement would support Finnair’s fleet modernization and operational flexibility. He noted that the aircraft’s efficiency and economics are expected to reduce fuel consumption and emissions while matching capacity more closely to market demand.

Finnair operates as a network airline connecting traffic between Asia, North America, and Europe and is a member of the oneworld alliance. The fleet renewal comes as many carriers review aircraft efficiency and route structures following shifts in regional demand and environmental commitments within the aviation sector.

For operations, analysts say the introduction of the E195-E2 could allow Finnair to deploy aircraft on thinner or developing European routes while maintaining frequency and lowering operating costs compared with older regional jets.

The companies said deliveries beginning in 2027 will gradually replace aging aircraft in Finnair’s fleet, with the airline aiming to expand capacity while reducing its carbon footprint and improving the passenger experience on short-haul flights.

Source: Press Release