Nikki expands its fleet with Embraer ERJ 190 aircraft

Image Courtesy of Anna Aero

Niki Airline, the Austrian low cost airline operating services to destinations in Europe and Egypt has received its first Embraer ERJ 190 aircraft on May 15, 2009 at the Brazilian base of Embraer in Sao Jose dos Campos. Niki has plans to integrate the Embraer ERJ 190 into their fleet this upcoming summer season with deliveries of the type to be realized in the first half of this year. Niki has five firm orders and five purchase rights for the ERJ 190 series aircraft.

Since 2004 when Air Berlin purchased a 24% share in Niki, the airline has been expanding cautiously as opposed to other low cost operations however this summer the all new Niki Embraer fleet will join the Airbus Fleet enabling the Austrian low cost airline to increase its market coverage and business opportunities. Niki Airline is expecting delivery of a further 8 Airbus A 320 aircraft from 2009 through 2015 further strengthening its fleet.

Niki has plans of combining the new 112 seat ERJ 190 for medium density routes as well as adding frequency to existing routes. The larger 150-210 seat Airbus aircraft will be integrated to high density routes. Niki Lauda, founder and President said “the ERJ 190 is the most economical and environmentally friendly airplane of its size”. This Airbus, Embraer aircraft combination sought by Niki is to provide a greater more versatile product in the market, increase their coverage and opportunities.

The Embraer E-Jet aircraft type is ideal for the establishment of new routes due to its start up costs being low while combining excellent economics and offering a high level of comfort something Niki passenger’s have come to expect and enjoy on every Niki Flight.

The E-Jet Aircraft family has proven to aid airlines in developing new markets at a lower operating cost as well as offering the ability to combat flying inefficient larger aircraft on low load factor routes making them more viable through utilizing the Embraer E-Jets. Nikki has taken this approach and entrusted the ERJ 190 to lead its way with performance, efficiency, comfort and versatility on its already existing European network and into the future on new Intra-European routes.

Some Questions to consider:
Will Niki achieve greater economies of scale with this new aircraft type? Will passengers enjoy more options, destinations and choices at the lowest prices aboard Niki airline? Which new destinations will Niki seek as it expands its operations? Check out the Niki Airline website at www.flyniki.com and enjoy the Niki service on your next flight.