Mozambique's flag carrier LAM has received two Embraer E190 regional jets that will support the airline's restructuring after months of preparation in South Africa. The aircraft arrived in Maputo on July 24 and are expected to enter commercial service within the next few weeks once regulatory procedures are completed.
Registered C9-AMA and C9-AMB, the aircraft wear a new livery featuring the Air Mozambique brand, marking the first visible sign of the airline's planned rebranding. LAM has not yet explained how the new identity will coexist with its current name.
Related news
The two E190s previously flew for KLM Cityhopper until late 2025 before being transferred to Japanese lessor Showa Leasing. They were later ferried to South Africa for maintenance, repainting and preparation before their delivery to Mozambique.
LAM said the airline already has trained crews and the technical resources needed to introduce the aircraft into service.
The E190 is not new to the carrier. LAM operated three aircraft of the type between 2009 and 2019. One of them, C9-EMC, was lost in a crash in Namibia in November 2013 after the captain deliberately flew the aircraft into the ground, killing all 33 people on board.
The latest additions form part of LAM's fleet renewal program. Mozambique's government approved the acquisition of two Dash 8 Q400 turboprops and two E190s during the carrier's restructuring, which also brought new state-owned shareholders and fresh capital after years of operational and financial difficulties.
