Royal Jordanian Airlines has concluded a deal to acquire eight Embraer E-Jet E2s.

The order is valued at $635m based on current list prices and consists of four E190-E2s and four E195-E2s. Deliveries are scheduled to start in the final quarter of this year.

Six of the incoming aircraft will be acquired from Azorra and drawn from the Florida-based lessor’s existing backlog with Embraer; the remaining two E195-E2s are firm orders placed directly by the airline late last year and previously attributed by the manufacturer to an undisclosed customer.

Samer Majali vice-chairman and CEO of Royal Jordanian Airlines, said: “Following extensive feasibility studies, we selected Embraer’s E2 as the best fit for our financial objectives and network strategy. We have been operating Embraer aircraft for 15 years, and the E2 reduces the investment cost of pilot training and spare parts provisioning significantly, whilst also lowering crew scheduling and maintenance costs. It also provides 25% fuel savings compared to current aircraft, resulting in operating cost savings as well as significant carbon emissions reductions supporting the airline’s environmental strategy and targets.”

The carrier, a long-time operator of the previous generation E-Jet family, confirmed its E195-E2s will carry 12 passengers in its Crown Class business cabin and 108 in economy; the smaller E190-E2 will be fitted with 12 and 80 seats, respectively.