Helvetic Airways expands fleet with up to eight additional Embraer E195-E2 aircraft

Swiss regional airline Helvetic Airways has placed an order for three Embraer E195-E2 aircraft and, with a further five purchase options, is confirming its intention to further expand its E2 fleet.

Helvetic Airways is expanding its fleet and, together with Brazilian manufacturer Embraer, announced at the Dubai Airshow on 17 November 2025 the order of three Embraer E195-E2 aircraft. The agreement also includes purchase options for five additional aircraft of the same type. 

Delivery of the aircraft is scheduled to take place between late 2026 and spring 2027. The cabins of the three E195-E2s will be fitted with 134 modern Recaro seats in a single-class configuration. With this latest order, Helvetic Airways can increase its E2 fleet in the coming years from the current 12 to up to 20 aircraft, further strengthening its position as a major European operator of Embraer’s E-Jet family.

Another step towards a full E2 fleet
The Embraer E195-E2 will replace the 112-seat Embraer E190 aircraft, which have been in service with Helvetic Airways since 2014. HB-JVM has already left the fleet, while HB-JVN will remain in operation until mid-December.

Helvetic Airways operates the E2 on routes with short runways and steep approaches, where the aircraft’s performance is particularly valuable. “Since the first E2 aircraft joined the fleet in October 2019, the airline has worked closely with Embraer to continuously develop this aircraft type. Helvetic Airways was the first airline to operate the E190-E2 into London City Airport with its demanding steep approach; three years later, in March 2025, it followed with the E195-E2, marking another milestone at the London city airport.” Notes Tobias Pogorevc, CEO of Helvetic Airways, adding “we are proud to expand our partnership with Embraer through this additional E2 order.”

Arjan Meijer, President and CEO of Embraer Commercial Aviation, remarks: “Helvetic Airways continues to demonstrate the versatility and value of the E2 family in European operations. Their decision to expand the E195-E2 fleet is a strong endorsement of the aircraft’s performance, economics, and environmental credentials. We’re proud to support Helvetic’s growth and their role in delivering reliable, efficient service in their main aera of wet-lease operations.”

More seats and greater flexibility
The aircraft order supports Helvetic Airways’ strategic objectives in terms of capacity, modern fleet and efficiency. 

Helvetic Airways first ordered aircraft from the E2 family in 2018 with a committed order for 12 E190-E2s and conversion rights for E195-E2s. The airline currently operates:
•    Eight E190-E2
•    Four E195-E2
•    Four E190
•    Four E195

Helvetic Airways is deploying its fleet for scheduled, charter and wet-lease services, and with this latest order, further strengthens its position as one of Europe’s major regional airlines. At Zurich Airport, Helvetic Airways operates its own maintenance hangar for Embraer E1 and E2 aircraft and, as a European centre of competence, also performs maintenance on the Embraer fleets of other renowned airlines, in particular minor checks and AOG support.
Sister company Horizon Swiss Flight Academy not only trains pilots but also aircraft mechanics for Embraer aircraft.