Austria
- Mayor Bart de Wever chaired the ceremony
- On-going fleet renewal reduces CO2 and noise emissions
- More holiday destinations available for Flemish travellers
Today marks a pioneering day for Belgian aviation, TUI and Antwerp Airport. The first of three Embraer E195-E2 airplanes was officially put into service. Antwerp’s Mayor, Bart De Wever, chaired the name giving ceremony and was joined by TUI Western Region CEO Elie Bruyninckx and the CEO of Antwerp Airport, Eric Dumas. Named "Flanders", the airplane with the registration OO-ETB will be a new flying ambassador for the region and throughout Europe. It took off under the flight number TB1001.
During his welcome speech, Gunther Hofman, Managing Director of TUI fly Western Region, emphasised the great efforts made towards more sustainable airline operations: "Since launching in 2004, we have always focussed on introducing the most modern and innovative airplanes. With the Embraer E195-E2 we have once again reached a new milestone. We are also the only Belgian airline flying Embraer jets and therefore can draw on exceptional expertise regarding the operation and maintenance of these airplanes.”
Elie Bruyninckx, CEO of TUI Western Region, is thrilled about the latest addition to the fleet: "TUI Airline operates a global network with a fleet of some 130 airplanes. In order to operate from Antwerp, we have always had to look for special airplane types because the short runway is not suitable for larger jets. We believe in a positive future for Antwerp airport and are therefore committed to these three E195-E2 jets. Taking advantage of an increased range of more than 4,000 kilometres, we are able to add very popular destinations to our Antwerp network such as the Canary Islands, the Turkish Riviera and the Greek islands. And in the future we may also be able to add a few more to our schedule to take our guests faster to their favourite holiday destinations from Antwerp."
Mayor Bart De Wever, who had the honour of unveiling "Flanders," highlighted the importance of air travel being as sustainable as possible from his hometown airport. "The charisma of our city manifests itself in many areas and I support this airport which, due to its easy accessibility and small scale, is very valuable to many Antwerp citizens. I particularly like the fact that TUI is investing more in sustainable aircraft at our airport and is even putting Flanders on the map abroad with it," De Wever said.
Eric Dumas, CEO of Antwerp Airport, confirmed that the recent airport centenary is an important milestone and contributes to the city's dynamic image: "With the new Embraer 195-E2 aircraft, which are quieter and more fuel-efficient, TUI is helping the airport to further develop into a modern and sustainable mobility centre. The new aircraft also ensure that Antwerp Airport continues to be connected to more distant destinations, thus also responding to the demands of travellers from the Antwerp region."
Michal Nowak, VP Sales and Marketing Europe Embraer Air, said, “As the first leisure operator of the E2, it’s great to see the aircraft in TUI’s distinctive colours delivering a very quiet and comfortable service from Antwerp. The E2 is not only the most fuel efficient aircraft under 150 seats, it is also the quietest. I can’t think of a better start to a well-deserved holiday than by taking a seat on Embraer’s most advanced jet.”
With the latest engines on the market, this newest aircraft type takes a big step forward in terms of technology and sustainability, with 33% lower CO2 emissions compared to its predecessor in TUI's fleet. But also the halving of noise emissions means an important concession to the well-being of those living near the airport.
After "Flanders", "Brussels" and "Wallonia" will follow as the names of the two other E195-E2 aircraft that will replace all existing aircraft at Antwerp over the next few weeks. TUI’s E2 offer 136 seats in a comfortable single class configuration.
