The Embraer E190-E2 was certified almost four years ago and operated its first commercial service two months later in April 2018. With a range of 5,278 km, the single-aisle E190-E2 is currently flown by four different carriers. We explore the airlines flying the Embraer E190-E2.

Helvetic Airways

The largest operator of the Embraer E190-E2 is Swiss regional carrier Helvetic Airways, which has eight of the type in its fleet. The airline placed an order with Embraer for 12 E190-E2s back in 2018, whittled down to eight after converting four orders up to the larger E195-E2. Its first jet arrived back in October 2019.

All eight E190-E2s have been delivered, the last of which arrived on March 12th, 2021. The all-Embraer airline has also taken delivery of four E195-E2s to add to the four Embraer ERJ-190s in its fleet. Helvetic's E190-E2s are 110-seaters and powered by Pratt & Whitney PW1900G engines.

Interestingly, Helvetic Airways' fifth E190-E2 broke Embraer's record for the fastest transatlantic flight between South America and Europe. The 7,488 km flight from Natal International Airport to Zurich Airport clocked in at nine hours and 10 minutes. It is worth noting that optimal weather conditions and a lack of passengers made this trip possible.

Air Astana

The second-largest operator of the E190-E2 is Kazakh flag carrier Air Astana with five. The airline received its first jet in December 2018, painted in a special 'snow leopard' livery. The fifth and final jet was delivered in November 2019.

All of Air Astana's E190-E2s are on lease from Irish lessor AerCap. The carrier phased out its older Embraer ERJ-190 fleet in favor of the more-efficient E2.

The airline's E190-E2s come in a two-class configuration which includes a premium economy cabin. Air Astana has had multiple technical issues with its E190-E2 fleet, leading the airline to open up a lawsuit against Embraer.

Air Astana alleges that its jets have experienced "multiple inflight software and mechanical failures." This caused the airline to ground its fleet of E2s in December 2020, although they have since been re-entered into service.

Widerøe

The first airline to operate the E190-E2 was Norwegian airline Widerøe, which conducted the jet's inaugural commercial flight on 24th April 2018. The airline has three E190-E2s in its fleet, making it the third-largest operator of the type.

Like Helvetic Airways, Widerøe's E2 fleet can carry 110 passengers. The airline took delivery of its third and final E190-E2 in June 2018. While Widerøe is best known for its rural Norwegian connections, its E2 jets have enabled the airline to expand its international network.

It now flies as far as Alicante, Spain, while its E190-E2s have also been deployed on some of its longer domestic routes, including Tromsø.

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Air Kiribati

The only other operator of the E190-E2 is Pacific airline Air Kiribati. The flag carrier of the Republic of Kiribati has just one E190-E2 in its fleet as part of an order for four jets.

The airline placed its order in December 2018, initially consisting of two firm orders with two more on option. Air Kiribati has one other aircraft in its fleet - a 27-year-old Dash 8.

Have you had the chance to fly on an Embraer E190-E2? Let us know your experiences in the comments.