Embraer said to be set to win deal for up to 60 jets for Alaska Air

Alaska Air has selected Embraer to provide as many as 60 regional jets to serve the airline’s ambition of serving smaller markets farther from its Pacific Northwest base, according to two people familiar with the planned deal. The proposed firm order for 30 E175 aircraft and 30 additional options is valued at more than $2.6b at list prices, though airlines typically receive steep discounts. The aircraft would be operated by its regional subsidiary Horizon Air. While the contract isn’t finalised, the Seattle-based airline has selected the Brazilian aircraft manufacturer and now enters into exclusive negotiations. The decision comes ahead of the company’s board of directors meeting on Wednesday, the people said. An Alaska Air spokeswoman said the airline remains “in the midst of a competitive process to evaluate, and hopefully select, a 76-seat regional jet to add to Horizon’s fleet. No final decision has been made, no documents have been signed and our board of directors has not approved any new jet purchase. If and when a definitive agreement has been signed, we will release a statement.”<br/>