Porter Airlines will use Embraer’s aftermarket services to maintain its E195-E2 fleet, providing the airline with separate long-term support agreements for major airframe and engine maintenance needs. 

The deal with Embraer, announced Aug. 5, is for up to 20 years and covers airframe as well as component-pooling and repairs, the companies said. Pooling services will be provided by Embraer Aircraft Customer Services in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, while heavy maintenance will be handled by Embraer Aircraft Maintenance Services in Nashville, Tennessee—the only certified E2 facility in North America.

“Embraer’s expertise and support are crucial as we start E195-E2 operations, since no one knows these planes better than the manufacturer,” said Porter President and CEO Michael Deluce. “We also have cost certainty on important maintenance items for an extended period of time.”

Porter has 30 firm orders for E195-E2s and purchase rights for 50 more and is the aircraft’s North American launch customer. The regional jets, set to start arriving in about a year, are intended to form the foundation of an aggressive expansion plan that will see Toronto-based, business traveler-focused Porter add destinations throughout North America.

“With this agreement, we will broaden and deepen our relationship with Porter,” said Embraer Services & Support President Johann Bordais, “Embraer will provide all necessary support, long before the airline starts operations.”

The airframe and component services deals add to a long-term agreement Embraer has with Pratt & Whitney to service the E2’s PW1900G engines under Pratt’s EngineWise program. EngineWise combines traditional engine repair and overhaul services with analytics to maximize time on wing and minimize service interruptions.