Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer and commercial aviation lessor Azorra this week announced a new eight aircraft deal with Royal Jordanian Airlines, Jordan’s flag carrier and oneworld alliance member.

The agreement will see the introduction of both the E190-E2 and E195-E2 to the airline’s fleet. Aircraft deliveries are expected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2023.

The agreement covers eight commercial aircraft, four E190-E2 and four E195-E2.

Six aircraft, four E190-E2 and two E195-E2 come from Azorra’s existing backlog with Embraer. Two further E195-E2s are firm orders with Embraer directly from the airline.

Building on the announcement made by Royal Jordanian in October last year, in which the airline revealed its plans to expand its fleet with new generation aircraft, E2 was specifically chosen for its superior performance and operational efficiency.

The regional aircraft is aligned with RJ’s strategic goals to renew and grow the fleet that is deployed to destinations within the Middle East.

The airline’s strategic plan is to further boost RJ’s position as the preferred airline in the region by offering improved connectivity to a wider network, positioning Amman as the leading gateway to the Levant.

The E195-E2 will seat 12 passengers in Crown Class, RJ’s business class product, and 108 in standard economy. The smaller E190-E2 will have the same number of Crown Class seats and 80 in economy. All aircraft feature Embraer’s signature ‘no middle seat’ 2×2 seating, and business class seats with an impressive 53-inch legroom.

The aircraft also features extra-large overhead bins, mood lighting, leather seats and wireless connectivity.

In addition to the Embraer order, RJ has confirmed that it will update and expand its Airbus A320 family of aircraft with newer technology A320neo aircraft.

Twenty on-order A320neos will replace the airline’s 13 current A320 family units.

These will be rostered on higher-capacity regional flights, as well as longer-stage sectors to Europe.

Furthermore, RJ plans to increase its Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet from seven 787-8s now to 11 going forward, including the addition of the larger 787-9 variant.

RJ flies its 787s on its longest routes, including from its Amman base to Bangkok and Delhi. Going the opposite direction, the airline operates its 787s on flights to London’s Heathrow, New York’s Kennedy, Montreal and Detroit.

rj.com