Piedmont Airlines set to expand fleet with new Embraer E175 aircraft

The new E175s will feature a two-class cabin layout accommodating 76 passengers: 12 seats in business class and 64 in economy class. This is an upgrade from the older Embraer 145s that hold only 50 passengers in a single-class configuration. Nate Gatten, Executive Vice President of American Eagle, Corporate Real Estate and Government Affairs, stated: "The allocation of new Embraer 175 aircraft to Piedmont is a direct reflection of the Piedmont team’s commitment to safety, operational excellence and customer service."

Specific routes for the new jets have not been announced yet but are expected soon. These larger jets are likely to be used on routes where increased capacity and business class options could provide operational advantages.

Piedmont Airlines currently operates around 400 daily flights across more than 50 markets in the eastern United States. Its main hubs include Charlotte (CLT) and Philadelphia (PHL), with additional services through Chicago and Raleigh.

Envoy Air's decision not to use larger models like the E190 or E195 is influenced by US aviation regulations limiting regional airlines' aircraft seating capacity to no more than 76 seats.