SÃO JOSÉ DOS CAMPOS, Brazil - Embraer Commercial Aviation announced Saratov-based Saratov Airlines (Saravia) as the first E-Jet customer in Russia. The airline leased two E195 aircraft to start operations in the coming weeks. The E190 and E195 were certified by Russia’s Interstate Aviation Committee in December 2012. 

The E195 aircraft will be configured with 114 seats in dual class and deployed from the airline’s base at Saratov Airport. The aircraft are planned for scheduled services and charter flights to Dubai, Europe, Asia and Africa in partnership with the airline's tour partner, Magellan. 

Paulo Cesar Silva, president & chief executive officer, Embraer Commercial Aviation, said: ““We see good potential in Russia for aircraft of the capacity that Embraer E-Jets offer,.

"As the first Russian airline to fly the E195, Saratov Airlines will showcase the aircraft's excellent economics, reliability, and cabin design. I am positive both passengers and crews are going to enjoy flying the E-Jets and the airline will see, rapidly, the benefits of it.” 

Konstantin Sokolov, Saratov Airlines' general director, added: “Saravia selected the E195 because of its proven ability to operate in wide range of business applications.

“We are keen to start realizing improvements in fleet efficiency with this airplane and to have a cabin that we know our passengers will love. The E195 is going to keep us competitive.” 

There are 66 E-Jet aircraft with in Eastern Europe and Central Asia with Air Lituanica, Air Moldova, Azerbaijan Airlines, Belavia, Bulgaria Air, Estonian Air, LOT Polish, Montenegro Airlines Saratov Airlines Astana and Ukraine International Airlines.