Why it Matters
- The new E175 jets will increase frequencies, expand domestic and regional coverage, and improve connectivity into Air Côte d’Ivoire’s Abidjan hub, supporting both passenger mobility and economic activity.
- Replacing turboprops with E175s delivers higher speed, greater range, more cargo capacity and better operating economics, enhancing overall network performance and profitability.
- The aircraft will optimise connections to long-haul routes such as the recently launched Abidjan–Paris service, helping to grow the airline’s international competitiveness.
- The 76-seat configuration is well suited to demand patterns in West and Central Africa, improving load factors and route viability across emerging markets.
- The order adds to Embraer’s expanding footprint on the continent, where it already leads the up-to-150-seat aircraft segment with a 31 percent market share and strong fleet growth momentum.
Air Côte d’Ivoire, the national carrier of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, has signed a firm order for four Embraer E175 aircraft, with eight additional purchase rights, as part of its fleet modernisation and regional expansion strategy. The aircraft will be configured with 76 seats in a two-class layout – 12 in Business Class and 64 in Economy – offering passengers a comfortable and efficient travel experience.
The first E175 jet delivery is scheduled for the first half of 2027, and the deal will be added to Embraer’s Q4 2025 backlog.
Air Côte d’Ivoire will deploy the E175s on domestic and regional routes, supporting the airline’s goal to grow its network, enhance connectivity, and gradually replace its turboprop fleet. The E175 was selected for its greater range, speed, passenger comfort, and increased cargo capacity compared to turboprops – making it the ideal aircraft to support the airline’s evolving operations.
The aircraft will also play a key role in feeding Air Côte d’Ivoire’s hub in Abidjan, increasing frequencies and strengthening regional links. The airline recently launched long-haul service to Paris Charles de Gaulle, and the E175 will help optimise connectivity to and from the hub.
“This order marks a significant step in our fleet development strategy,” said Laurent Loukou, Chief Executive Officer of Air Côte d’Ivoire. “The Embraer E175 is perfectly suited to our domestic and regional ambitions. Its capacity is perfectly adapted to the size of African markets. Its performance and comfort will allow us to offer a superior passenger experience, while supporting our growth and the development of our Abidjan hub. It also enables us to gradually phase out our turboprop fleet and operate more efficiently across our network while improving our economic performance with better operating costs and profitability.”
Arjan Meijer, President and CEO of Embraer Commercial Aviation, commented: “We are honoured to welcome Air Côte d’Ivoire to the E-Jet family. Embraer is firmly established as the market leader in the up to 150-seat segment in Africa, the E175 is a proven performer on the continent, and its capabilities are a perfect match for the airline’s vision. This aircraft will bring immediate benefits in terms of connectivity, efficiency, and passenger satisfaction, and we look forward to supporting Air Côte d’Ivoire as they expand their network and strengthen their position in the region.”
Currently, Embraer has 250 aircraft in operation, across 56 different African operators. Over the past 10 years, Embraer’s fleet in Africa has grown at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.5%. As a result, Embraer now leads the market in Africa for aircraft with up to 150 seats, holding a 31% market share.
