Oman Air, Air Astana commit to E-Jets

Embraer yesterday announced Oman Air and Air Astana as new customers. Oman Air signed a contract for five E-175s plus five purchase rights, with four of the five firm aircraft slated to fly in WY colors and the fifth to be used by the Royal Omani Police. Deal is worth $177.5 million at list prices and could double if all five purchase rights are converted. First delivery is scheduled for the 2011 first quarter, Embraer said, adding that WY will be the Gulf region's first E-Jet operator. It will configure the aircraft with 12 business class and 60 economy seats. Air Astana will operate two E-190s ordered last quarter by Fort Lauderdale-based lessor Jetscape, which revealed the placement last month (ATWOnline, Oct. 19). Aircraft will seat nine in first class and 88 in economy and will deliver in the 2011 first quarter, according to the manufacturer. Air Astana President Peter Foster said, "We expect to expand our Embraer 190 fleet in the future."