Farnborough 2026: Azorra commits to up to 30 Embraer E-Freighters

Embraer has secured a major vote of confidence in its growing freighter programme after aircraft lessor Azorra agreed to purchase up to 30 E190F passenger-to-freighter conversion aircraft during the Farnborough International Airshow.

The agreement includes 20 firm orders for the Embraer E190F, alongside purchase rights for a further 10 aircraft. The order follows the successful entry into service of the E190F in March and represents Azorra’s first move into the dedicated freighter leasing market.

The announcement further strengthens the long-standing relationship between Embraer and Azorra, which has become one of the Brazilian manufacturer’s largest customers. It also follows Azorra’s order in June for 15 additional E195-E2 aircraft, with purchase rights for a further 15, taking its firm E2 commitments to 54 aircraft and helping the E2 programme surpass 500 firm orders worldwide.

John Evans, Chief Executive Officer of Azorra, said: “Our partnership with Embraer has been built over many years and is rooted in a shared belief in the long-term value and reliability of the E-Jet platform. The E-Freighter is a natural extension of that story, combining the proven performance of the E-Jet with a compelling solution for the growing express cargo market.

“This investment reflects our confidence in the aircraft and extending its useful life. The E-Jet Freighter is an ideal replacement for older 737 freighters, offering reliable, Stage 4 noise-compliant operations and, with Azorra’s CF34 engine programme, unmatched operating costs.”

Arjan Meijer, President and CEO of Embraer Commercial Aviation, described the agreement as a significant endorsement of the aircraft.

“This agreement is a strong endorsement of the E-Freighter and reflects growing demand for efficient, right-sized cargo solutions worldwide. We look forward to supporting Azorra and its customers as the E-Freighter continues to expand its presence across the global air cargo market,” he said.

Based on the proven E-Jets platform, the E190F has been developed to meet increasing demand from the express freight sector, bridging the gap between large turboprop freighters and larger narrowbody cargo aircraft. By utilising both the main and lower cargo decks, the aircraft offers more than 100 cubic metres of cargo capacity and can carry payloads of up to 13.5 tonnes.

According to Embraer, the E190F delivers operating costs around 30% lower than traditional narrowbody freighters while offering comparable cargo volume and range. The aircraft also provides significantly greater payload capability and range than large cargo turboprops, while reducing noise and emissions.

Azorra intends to place the aircraft with operators serving regional express cargo markets, with particular focus on Latin America, Southeast Asia, the Middle East and Africa. The lessor believes the aircraft’s size and economics will enable airlines to improve regional connectivity and open new cargo routes where larger freighters would be uneconomical.

The order provides further momentum for Embraer’s expanding E-Freighter programme as the manufacturer seeks to establish the aircraft as a next-generation solution for regional air cargo operators worldwide.