Airlines Air Kiribati receives first Embraer E190-E2

The flag-carrier of the Republic of Kiribati has taken delivery of its first Embraer E190-E2. A ceremony was held at the manufacturer´s facilities in Sao José dos Campos, Brazil. The order goes back to the announcement on a contract between Embraer and the Government of Kiribati in December 2018.

This aircraft is the first of two ordered E190-E2s. In addition, the airline holds purchase rights of two more aircraft. The aircraft are to help Air Kiribati to offer its passengers new routes and a different travel experience on routes in the Asia Pacific area.

Hon. Willie Tokataake, Minister for Information, Communication, Transport and Tourism Development of the Kiribati Government commented: “Aviation is critical for any island nation and Kiribati is no exception. Our Government has made the conscious decision to take into our hands the opportunity to unlock economic prosperity for our people and our nation through the purchase of these two aircraft [...] The arrival of our first jet today is the culmination of three years of vision, strategic thought, government focus, research, evaluation, hard work, commitment, partnership and a good measure of problem solving.”

Air Kiribati has now become the launch operator for the E190-E2 in Asia Pacific. The aircraft has been configured in a dual class layout that sees 12 passengers seated in business class, while 80 can be accommodated in economy class.  Now, Air Kiribati can fly longer domestic and international routes.

The E190-E2 is the perfect aircraft to do so, as it´s maximum range is 2,850 nautical miles. With the E190, Air Kiribati can serve destinations throughout the vast expanse of Kiribati, including nonstop services between Tarawa and Kiribati.

Regarding its presence in the Pacific, Embraer stated: "Spanning four time zones and comprised of more than 30 islands, Kiribati is the only country in the world to be in all four hemispheres. Embraer has been present in the Pacific since the first Bandeirante was delivered to a customer in Australia in 1978. The company continues to support operators across Oceania more than 40 years later."

Air Kiribati is the flag-carrier and was founded in April 1995. The main hub is located at Tarawa Island Bonriki International. Next to the Embraer E190-E2, the airline also operates a De Havilland Canada DHC-8-100 turboprop.