Eastern Airways (T3, Humberside) has taken delivery of its first E190 as it pushes to enter new ad-hoc charter and ACMI markets.

In service with Air Moldova (MLD, Chisinau International) as recently as July 11, ERJ 190-100LR ER-ECC (msn 19000130) was ferried from Chisinau International to Nottingham East Midlands via Humberside on July 14, Flightradar24 ADS-B data shows. It will shortly be added to the UK register and be repainted into Eastern's livery ahead of its deployment into service.

Eastern said earlier this year that as part of its growth plans, it would add a total of three E190s in 2020. The jets, which will allow Eastern to target larger capacity scheduled and charter contracts, will complement its existing fleet of two ERJ 170-100LRs.

"Both the Embraer 170 and 190 have the ability to offer steep approaches to restricted airports, good short-field performance and long-range operations making them one of the most flexible aircraft in the up to 100-seat market," General Manager (Commercial and Operations) Roger Hage said in a statement.

According to the ch-aviation fleets module, Eastern also operates twelve Jetstream 41s, one EMB-145MP, and two EMB-145LUs, two ATR72-600s, and four Saab 2000s. Yorkshire and Humber-based Eastern Airways was formed in 1997. As well as operating scheduled flights, it also specialises in providing customer-focused charter services for the energy industry, corporate and sports contracts, and ad-hoc charters.