Strengthening Nigeria’s Regional Aviation: Overland Airways Welcomes Its First E175
Overland Airways has marked a significant milestone in its quest to enhance Nigeria’s regional aviation connectivity with the arrival of its inaugural Embraer E175. This sleek Brazilian-made aircraft is just the first of a trio slated to augment Overland Airways’ growing fleet, with options for three more on the horizon.
In a deal worth nearly $300 million, the E175s promise to reinvigorate the airline, which has faced challenges including delays and disruptions.
Empowering West African Connectivity
Embraer’s Head of Africa and Middle East Region, Stephan Hannemann, shared his optimism about the transformative potential of these new aircraft for Nigeria and the broader West African region. He stated, “The delivery of Overland’s first new E175 marks the beginning of an exciting chapter for the airline and Embraer.
Nigeria represents one of the fastest-growing aviation markets in the world; Overland and Embraer are committed to supporting its continued success with a product line perfectly suited to build connectivity across West Africa.”
A Leap in Capacity
Overland Airways has faced its fair share of operational setbacks in 2022 and 2023, alongside other Nigerian domestic carriers. In fact, according to Business Day, Overland Airways recorded the highest percentage of flight delays in Nigeria in 2022, with nearly 84% of its services affected.
However, the arrival of the E175s holds the promise of revitalising its operations. With seating for up to 88 passengers across two classes, these E175s are set to become the largest aircraft in Overland Airways’ fleet.
Currently, the carrier operates three ATR 42s and one ATR 72, each averaging over 30 years in age. In addition to enhancing services, Overland Airways is expanding its corporate footprint by establishing a new office and hangar near Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed International Airport (LOS) to cater to the surging demand.
The Regional Aviation Renaissance
Embraer’s E-series is rapidly gaining favour among regional operators throughout Africa. Notable carriers like South Africa’s Airlink, Madagascar Airlines, and Eswatini Air have all embraced Embraer’s cutting-edge jets in 2023.
Meanwhile, fellow Nigerian operator Air Peace is also strengthening its Embraer fleet, having recently ordered five E175s. Deliveries are slated to commence in 2024, fortifying its current operational capacity.
Air Peace, which presently operates five of the larger E195-E2 aircraft alongside a mix of Boeing, Dornier, and Embraer planes, plans to deploy the E175s to bolster its regional and domestic network, extending its reach even further.
As we look ahead, Nigeria’s carriers are poised to welcome up to 40 brand new aircraft in the coming years, according to This Day. This includes Air Peace’s existing Boeing 737 MAX order, Overland Airways’ two remaining E175s, and Ibom Air’s impending Airbus order, with deliveries expected to continue through 2025.
Share your thoughts
What are your thoughts on Overland Airways’ new fleet additions? Which routes would you like to see the carrier operate? Feel free to share your insights in the comments below.
