First Embraer E-195s in Russia

Saratov Airlines has become the first Russian operator of the Embraer E-195 regional airliner by taking two of the type on seven-year operational lease. The aircraft will be delivered in October 2013 by GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS), the commercial aircraft leasing arm of General Electric. The operational lease agreement will help Saratov Airline quickly renew its fleet. "Depending on the cabin layout, the Embraer E-195 can transport 106 to 122 passengers at low operating costs, and can be operated on short- and medium-haul mainline routes," says a GECAS representative. 

Says Saratov General Director Konstantin Sokolov: "Although our Yakovlev Yak-42 airliners are very reliable and have enough service life left in them, the market situation is forcing us to move on to more advanced aircraft types. Taking into account our existing and planned route network, the expected growth in passenger traffic, and the technical parameters of [Saratov’s hope] airport, we have chosen the modern, comfortable, and efficient Embraer E-195 airliners." GECAS in early 2014 will deliver two Аirbus A319 narrowbodies to Aeroflot’s subsidiary Donavia on six-year lease. In July 2013, Donavia leased one Airbus A319 from GECAS; the airline’s A319 fleet currently comprises six airliners.