Embraer S.A. and Republic Airways Holdings Inc., operator of the largest E-Jets fleet in the world, announced a contract today for the sale and purchase of 50 firm E175 jets. The value of the firm order, which will be included in Embraer’s 2014 third-quarter backlog, is estimated at USD 2.1 billion, based on 2014 list prices. The aircraft will be operated for United Airlines under the United Express brand. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in the third quarter of 2015 and extend until 2017.

This contract is in addition to the order signed by Embraer and Republic in January 2013 for 47 firm and 47 option E175s – 34 of which have already been delivered. In addition to the new order, Republic maintains 32 options for E175s.

“We have long and successful relationships established with both Republic and United. This new contract further strengthens these important bonds,” said Paulo Cesar Silva, President & CEO, Embraer Commercial Aviation. “As the worldwide leader in the 70 to 130-seat jet segment, Embraer has shown the capability of fulfilling the needs of airlines in the demanding and challenging U.S. regional market, providing the best aircraft in the segment, with outstanding economics and the most comfortable passenger cabin.”

This transaction is in connection with the transfer of Q400 turboprop airplanes currently operated by Republic Airlines to UK’s carrier Flybe Limited. Concurrently, Flybe and Embraer have agreed to reduce by 20 the outstanding order for 24 E175’s the airline has on order backlog. Therefore, the net increase to Embraer’s backlog in the 3rd quarter will be 30 E175 jets.

“Embraer has a long history of working with us to meet our partners’ needs,” said Bryan Bedford, President, Chairman and CEO of Republic. “We look forward to working with Embraer, United and Flybe to complete this fleet transition.”

Republic Airways was one of the first U.S. carriers to fly Embraer E-Jets, operating its first E170 in 2004. With this new order, the Republic Airways E-Jet fleet will consist of 72 E170s and 151 E175s for a total of 223 E-Jets. Republic Airways is also a long-time customer of the ERJ 145 regional jet family with 41 flying as Delta Connection aircraft.

Embraer press release