Malaysia’s SKS Airways selected the Embraer E195-E2 to drive its growth plans, entering into a lease agreement with Azorra for 10 E195-E2s at a signing ceremony at the Langkawi International Maritime & Aerospace Exhibition. The E195-E2s will form the core of SKS Airways’ expansion plans and will be based at Subang Airport in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, starting in 2024.

In February, the Malaysian government announced the Subang Airport Regeneration Plan (SARP), a transformational plan for Subang Airport to be developed into a premium city airport and regional aviation hub.

According to SKS Airways, it will be the first E195-E2 operator in the Southeast Asian region, growing Embraer’s E-Jets presence in the broader Asia Pacific region, with roughly 200 of the aircraft currently active in the area.

The lease agreement signed between SKS Airways and Azorra, was witnessed by Yang di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia, Sultan Abdullah ibni Sultan Ahmad Shah, YB Tuan Loke Siew Fook (the Malaysian minister of transport), H.E. Ary Norton de Murat Quintella (the ambassador of Brazil to Malaysia), Johann Bordais (president and CEO of Embraer Services and Support) and Martyn Holmes (chief commercial officer of Embraer Commercial Aviation).

“This is a significant day for the future of aviation in Malaysia. We are delighted to announce the successful signing of these agreements with leading industry players like Embraer and Azorra who share our vision for the future of air travel,” Dato’ Rohman Ahmad, director of SKS Airways, said. “With these strategic partnerships, we are excited to embark on a new phase of growth with a fleet of Embraer’s jets operating out of Subang. The prevalence of the E-Jets at city airports around the world and the low noise emissions of the E195-E2 makes the aircraft a perfect fit for flights in and out of Subang Airport, supporting the government’s aim to establish Subang Airport as Malaysia’s premium city airport and aviation hub.”

“The E2 is the aircraft family of choice for airlines around the world seeking to develop their regional routes,” Holmes said. “As the most modern and efficient single-aisle aircraft, the E195-E2 will deliver a step change for our first Malaysian operator, SKS Airways, as it grows regional connectivity within Malaysia and beyond. We welcome SKS Airways to the Embraer family and we look forward to growing our collaboration and partnerships in Malaysia as the country continues to develop as a major aerospace hub.”

“We are pleased to partner with SKS Airways on this unique opportunity to be a part of the future expansion of Subang Airport,” John Evans, CEO of Azorra, said. “We believe Embraer’s new technology E2 is the perfect fit for a redeveloped, premier aviation hub near the heart of Kuala Lumpur, reducing travel times and improving connectivity in the region. The E2’s fuel efficiency, carbon footprint and low noise emissions offer a transformative, environmentally conscious jet solution for the city, the region and its residents.”