David Eyre 
Photo © Randy Uhlman
18 December 2020 David Eyre
Alliance has seized opportunities and purchased a total of 30 Embraer E190 regional jets at prices below market value.
On 4 August 2020, Alliance announced the purchase of its first batch of 14 E190 aircraft and six spare General Electric CF34 engines for $112 million. These aircraft were formerly operated by COPA Panama, acquired through a deal Azorra Aviation in the USA. These ex-COPA aircraft are in two variants, with 10-12 business class seats and 84-88 economy seats and will be delivered over an eight-month period. The deal included the option to acquire a further five E190s.
The first of these aircraft, N922QQ (MSN 19000222, ex PT-SGH, HP-1569CMP, later registered VH-UYZ) arrived in Brisbane on 29 October 2020.
On 18 December 2020, Alliance announced the purchase of an additional 16 Embraer E190 aircraft and one spare General Electric CF34 engine for A$85 million. The second batch were previously operated by American Airlines, purchase through US company Jetran LLC. These are in a 99-seat two-class cabin configuration and will be delivered to Alliance beginning with five aircraft in December 2020 and then one per month until November 2021.
Alliance also announced that as it acquired the second batch of aircraft, it will not be exercising the option for five more E190s from COPA Panama.
An E190 simulator was purchased as part of the Azzora E190 transaction – this is being moved to Brisbane and will be used for most of the initial and all recurrent pilot training.
Alliance expects the E190 will be added to its CASA Air Operator’s Certificate during March 2021.
Before acquiring the E190s, Alliance Airlines’ fleet consisted of 24 Fokker 100, 13 Fokker 70LRs and five Fokker 50 turboprops.
