Embraer and Southern African airline Airlink have entered into a spare parts inventory support agreement to enhance the carrier’s all-Embraer fleet of 68 aircraft.
This deal marks a significant milestone, as Airlink becomes the first African airline to adopt Embraer’s Collaborative Inventory Planning (ECIP) system.
Designed to optimise spare parts availability while reducing operational costs, ECIP will support Airlink’s fleet of ERJ and E-Jets across its extensive network, which includes destinations in Southern and East Africa, Madagascar, and the islands of St Helena and Ascension.
By joining ECIP, Airlink will benefit from reduced upfront inventory investments, as Embraer absorbs most of the costs. Additionally, the programme offers fixed annual pricing per part, ensuring cost predictability while maintaining high performance standards through Embraer Services & Support. The system leverages advanced data analytics, providing weekly inventory recommendations based on real-time stock levels and usage patterns.
Airlines enrolled in ECIP gain access to Embraer’s global logistics network and materials management expertise, ensuring efficient spare parts availability with industry-leading service levels.
A long-standing Embraer operator since 2001, Airlink’s adoption of ECIP reinforces its commitment to operational efficiency and innovation in the African aviation sector.
Rodger Foster, Airlink chief executive and managing director, said: “Today Airlink is proudly the largest operator of Embraer Regional Jet airliners on the continent, and we have clear objectives of expanding and densifying our footprint, which will require additional capacity and more aircraft.
“Impeccable product support is an imperative to continuously deliver safe and reliable service excellence, which is an Airlink mantra. We are ‘joined at the hip’ with Embraer, and this ECIP speaks volumes to mutual commitment to optimising the operational and economic performance of our fleet.”
Carlos Naufel, president and chief executive of Embraer Services & Support, said: “This deal shows the airline’s trust in our support. We will work even harder to help Airlink gain efficiency and reduce inventory costs in all operations through ECIP, a programe that offers the best-in-class performance customised to each inventory, while providing access to Embraer’s global logistics network.”
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