Switzerland-based virtual carrier Travelcoup (Zurich) is adding a second semi-privately configured Embraer regional jet, an E135, to the air operator's certificate (AOC) of subsidiary Arcus Air (AZE, Mannheim), the company confirmed to ch-aviation. Travelcoup has also acquired a third ERJ, expected to enter service in 2026.

"The E135 is currently expected to join Arcus Air’s AOC in the second week of September. As of now, we are targeting September 8, although delays cannot be fully excluded," a spokesperson said.

The 25.4-year-old jet, D-BJME (msn 145198), is configured for up to 16 passengers in an executive layout. Previously operated by Air Charter Scotland (EDC, Perth Scone) on behalf of Travelcoup as G-CGMC, it has been parked at Bremen Hans Koschnick since June 25 and was deregistered from the United Kingdom on August 7.

Air Charter Scotland's AOC now includes three Embraer Executive Jets, namely a Legacy 500, a Praetor 600, and a Legacy 600, as well as a Citation Latitude and two Citation Jet 2s, the latter parked at Oxford Kidlington since September and October 2024, respectively.

The E135 will join a 27.1-year-old, 22-seat E145 in Arcus Air's AOC, which was transferred in March 2025 from Heron Aviation (HRN, Basel/Mulhouse/Freiburg, CH). Travelcoup acquired Arcus Air in late 2024.

The operator has already bought a second E145, which will be configured for up to 30 passengers to better serve the charter market. The aircraft is currently at Bangor International. "We anticipate that the refurbishment and induction into our AOC will take longer than initially planned, therefore we expect entry into service in the second quarter of 2026," the spokesperson said.

Travelcoup operates scheduled flights from Germany and Switzerland, including Berlin Brandenburg, Düsseldorf, Munich, Bern, and Zurich, to destinations in France, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom, such as Nice, Olbia, Ibiza, Palma de Mallorca, and London Stansted. Earlier this year, Travelcoup CEO Niclas Seitz announced plans to expand beyond Germany and Switzerland.

"At present, we do not plan to establish a new base. However, we have noticed strong demand in France, particularly due to the fact that our 22-seat D-AMME is not subject to the French luxury tax," the spokesperson added. "As a result, we are increasingly operating flights within France." During winter, Travelcoup's semi-private flights will, wherever possible, start and end in Munich, allowing a single crew to run Thursday to Sunday rotations. The operator maintains its fleet at Munich and Karlsruhe/Baden-Baden.

Arcus Air's AOC also includes three Phenom 100s, one currently parked at Rotterdam since February, with four others retired in the past 12 months, and two Phenom 300s, all used for private jet charters.