A perfect Christmas present for the people of Kiritimati. Yes that’s right!! Finally the government of Kiribati receives its first Air Kiribati Embraer E190 E2 aircraft.

Air Kiribati acting chief executive officer Danial Rochford said it would be a game changer says.

The focus for the two new Air Kiribati Embraer E190 E2 aircraft will be the regional hubs in and around the Pacific.

The aircraft was chosen because it has a 2647 nm range which will allow the aircraft at full passenger and cargo load to reach ports such as Brisbane and Auckland from Tarawa without stopping.

It is one of the world’s most fuel efficient aircraft which will see a significant reduction in fuel costs and less carbon footprint. The second of the Embraer E190 E2s would arrive in April.

In an earlier interview Mr Rochford the government of Kiribati has signed a contract for two E2s. With the two purchase rights being exercised by the Kiribati government, the deal would be worth US$243 million (FJ$527.99m) at list prices.

Mr Rochford stated that it would also provide an important link for those I-Kiribati traveling to work under regional labour mobility programmes.

“I certainly believe these aircraft will certainly see a major boom in tourism in Kiribati which is already seeing some upswing in growth.

“This growth will be felt right across the nation in the Gilbert Islands, the Line Islands and the World Heritage Listed Phoenix Islands because of these aircraft.”

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