South African regional carrier Airlink has taken delivery of two Embraer E-190 aircraft to bolster its pool of spare parts and engines, responding to prolonged global supply chain disruptions affecting the aviation industry. As reported by Aviation Week, the aircraft were purchased from regional lessor TrueNoord and delivered in December 2025.
According to available information, Airlink plans to salvage components from both airframes, while retaining the engines as spare powerplants to support its existing fleet. This approach is becoming increasingly common among airlines facing delays in parts availability and constrained maintenance capacity, both of which directly impact aircraft availability.
At the same time, the company has not ruled out the possibility of returning the E190s to operational service in the future, depending on how market and technical conditions evolve. Airlink Chief Executive Officer de Villiers Engelbrecht said the move is a strategic step aimed at safeguarding the reliability of the carrier’s Embraer fleet. As noted by Aviation Week, securing additional engines and key components will help mitigate the effects of global supply chain bottlenecks and maintain the level of service expected by customers.
Airlink has operated Embraer aircraft since 2001, with its current fleet comprising 65 aircraft ranging from the ERJ family to first-generation E-Jets. The two E190s acquired were previously leased to U.S. carrier Breeze Airways, underlining their established operational history and potential value as a source of spare parts.
