PORTLAND, Ore., April 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Horizon Air
today announced it will grow its fleet with the purchase of 30 new
three-class Embraer E175 jets, which will fly exclusively for
Alaska Airlines. The order, which also includes 33 options, will be
delivered over three years starting next year, and is valued at
$2.8 billion at Embraer's current
list price and represents the largest order since the airline was
founded in 1981. The jets will supplement the Portland-based carrier's fleet of Bombardier
Q400 turboprops.
Embraer's E175 will allow the carrier to fly 'long, thin routes'
– destinations that are too distant for a turboprop, but currently
don't have enough customer demand to fill a mainline jet. The E175
offers a comfortable cabin that boasts large overhead bins, ample
cargo capacity, a forward and rear lavatory.
"The E175s position Horizon for growth beyond our current West
Coast destinations while providing better customer utility in the
growing Alaska Airlines network," said Horizon Air President
David Campbell. "The spacious E175
offers a passenger experience, that's on par with much larger jets.
This aircraft opens up tremendous new opportunities to fly to new
places that would not have been feasible with our existing
aircraft."
Horizon plans to begin flying the jets exclusively for Alaska
Airlines under a capacity purchase agreement (CPA) beginning in
Spring 2017 on select longer routes originating from the Pacific
Northwest. Over time, the jets will replace 15 of the airline's
leased Q400s, due for return in 2018.
Horizon Air will fly both the E175 and the Q400 for the
foreseeable future. The Embraer jet is not new for Alaska customers, who may have flown on the
regional aircraft in 16 markets operated by CPA partner SkyWest
Airlines.
"To be chosen by Horizon to expand their fleet with the E175, is
a great honor for Embraer. It recognizes the great economics that
this aircraft offers," said Paulo Cesar
Silva, Embraer Commercial Aviation president and CEO. "The
Alaska Airlines brand is known for its high-standards of service,
having received many awards for their superior customer services,
which brings us even greater responsibility to deliver a
state-of-the-art product, with the best cabin for passengers in the
76-seat jet segment."
The 76-seat E175 jet will feature 12 seats in first class, 16 in
premium class and 48 in the main cabin. Onboard amenities include
Wi-Fi Internet access, and Alaska Beyond Entertainment, which
includes free and premium entertainment direct to customer devices
and power outlets throughout the cabin. Depending on length of
flight, food and beverage will include fresh meals for purchase in
addition to locally-sourced craft beers and premium wines.
Embraer E175 Facts:
- Seat pitch will be 31 inches in the main cabin, 34 inches in
premium class and between 36 and 38 inches in first class.
- All customers flying on the E175 will enjoy a window or aisle
seat.
- The regional jet is equipped with large overhead bins.
- Maximum cruising altitude: 41,000 feet
- Typical cruising speed: 494 mph
Horizon Air is a subsidiary of Alaska Air Group, Inc. and flies
to 39 cities across the United
States and Canada.
Editor's note: An image of an Embraer E175 is
available for download from Alaska Airlines' online image gallery
at alaskaair.com/newsroom.
Alaska Airlines, a subsidiary of Alaska Air Group (NYSE: ALK),
together with its partner regional airlines, serves more than 100
cities through an expansive network in the United States, Canada, Costa
Rica and Mexico. For
reservations, visit www.alaskaair.com. For more news and
information, visit Alaska Airlines' newsroom at
www.alaskaair.com/newsroom.
Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160411/354061
To view the original version on PR Newswire,
visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/horizon-air-places-largest-aircraft-order-in-its-history-adding-30-embraer-e175-regional-jets-to-fleet-300249767.html
SOURCE Alaska Air Group