[SINGAPORE] Indian start-up airline Air Costa has placed a firm order for 50 E-Jets E2s from Brazilian planemaker Embraer, in a deal valued at US$2.94 billion, the companies said at the Singapore Airshow yesterday.

The order for the second-generation E-Jets makes Air Costa the first E-Jet E2 customer in India, Embraer said.

The order comprises 25 E190-E2s and 25 E195-E2s with purchase rights for Air Costa to double that. The deal would be US$5.88 billion at list prices if all options are exercised.