Embraer announces order of 50 E195-E2 jets to Avelo Airlines

Embraer said on Wednesday it has reached a deal for 50 firm orders and purchase rights for another 50 with budget carrier Avelo Airlines for the Brazilian planemaker’s E195-E2 jets, in the company’s first U.S. deal for the plane.

The announcement in Washington coincides with a major gathering of aerospace leaders and comes when the Brazilian planemaker, the world's third largest, has been lobbying the Trump administration to remove 10% tariffs, while highlighting the reliance of U.S. airlines on its regional jets.

Last week, Embraer described the planned announcement as a U.S. milestone for its business. The list-price value of the order is $4.4 billion, excluding purchase rights.

U.S. clients buy 45% of Embraer's commercial planes and 70% of its executive jets, all of which rely on many U.S. parts.

Avelo Airlines CEO Andrew Levy said the E2 will complement its fleet of Boeing 737-800 that has significantly more seats and would help the carrier grow its business.

"This is the right airplane for us," Levy said. "It gives us a pipeline of aircraft we can rely on."