Darwin-based Airnorth is now flying a pair of Embraer E-190 jets in addition to its E-170 jets. The jets are busy flying to bigger ports on Airnorth's network, including Gove, Cairns, Kununurra, and Perth.
Pair of E-190s bolster Airnorth's operational capabilties
According to the aircraft database, ch-aviation.com, Airnorth has leased the two E-190s from Brisbane-based Alliance Airlines. The two 94 seat jets are registered as VH-UYC and VH-UYR. On Wednesday, VH-UYC is flying a return service between Darwin and Dili (Timor Leste) and VH-UYR is flying in another direction, operating a return Darwin - Nhulunbuy service.
"The new aircraft type has remarkable benefits that optimizes operational efficiency when compared to other regional carrier’s fleet mix that underpins lower fuel burn, shorter travel time, longer range, and overall better performance," says Airnorth on their website.
The E-190s are powered by a pair of General Electric CF34-8E5 engines that allow for a maximum takeoff weight of 51,800 kilograms, a maximum cruising altitude of 41,000 feet, and a maximum speed of 515 miles (829 kilometers) per hour. Airnorth says the jets have a flying range of up to five hours.
That comfortable allows for short hops like the 90-minute Darwin - Dili and 60-minute Darwin-Nhulunbuy sectors. It also gives the aircraft enough range to cover longer flights, such as the four-hour 1,648 mile (2,653 kilometer) sector between Darwin and Perth.
Old Copa Airlines aircraft come via Alliance Airlines
These planes aren't new. They come from a cohort of used Embraers Alliance Airlines purchased in 2020 from Panama's Copa Airlines. VH-UYC is over 16 years old and flew for Copa Airlines registered as HP-1556CMP. VH-UYR is 14 and a half years old and flew for Copa Airlines as HP-1564CMP.
Alliance Airlines has received 16 Embraer jets since the first one landed in Brisbane just 15 months ago. The airline is doing some brisk business leasing them to Qantas and now Airnorth.
The recently arrived jets allow Airnorth to boost capacity on routes previously served by its existing trio of E170 jets, as well as increase frequencies and undertake more charter and fly-in-fly-out work. While Airnorth is selling the E190s as passenger-friendly, the airline picks up the more substantial benefits.
"The 94-seat aircraft streamlines ground servicing as it caters for more passengers and service doors, low GSE collision risk, and simultaneous pax deplaning and cabin servicing," Airnorth's website adds.
"Airnorth also aims to reduce environmental impact across the business and the E190 emits 11% less CO2 which effectively minimizes impact on local air quality compared to other aircraft in a standard route. The aircraft is also more fuel-efficient and can carry more fuel."
In addition to their Embraer jets, Airnorth also operates a small fleet of Embraer E120 turboprops which scoot around to smaller ports in the North Territory. Airnorth is a rare phenomenon in Australia, being an all Embraer airline. All up, the airline operates a dozen aircraft - a small fleet but one that packs an outsized punch servicing some remote communities across the northern half of the continent.