Brazilian jet maker Embraer celebrates delivery today of the third of 15 Embraer 175 jets to Air Canada, the launch customer for the model, in a ceremony at Embraer’s headquarters in São José dos Campos, Brazil.
Deliveries of all 15 Embraer 175s to Air Canada are expected to be complete by the end of the year. Deliveries of the first two Embraer 175 jets to Air Canada took place last week.
“Embraer’s E-Jets are a key component of Air Canada’s fleet strategy and business plan, and we are proud to be partners of this customer-oriented airline.
“The Embraer 175 now joins the Embraer 170 already in service with other airlines around the world, and strengthens our concept of a family of airliners that combine comfort, reliability and outstanding economics,” said Mauricio Botelho, Embraer President and CEO.
“These next-generation Embraer aircraft in the 70-100 seat range are instrumental to the implementation of Air Canada’s North American commercial strategy as they provide us with the fleet flexibility to ensure the right aircraft for each market,” said Montie Brewer, Air Canada President and CEO, in São José dos Campos for the delivery ceremony.
“The Embraer 175 and Embraer 190 will allow us to serve current markets more effectively with enhanced schedules and superior in-flight amenities, as well as allow us to pursue new market opportunities throughout North America.”
The Embraer 175s for Air Canada will be specially configured to offer premium comfort and service in two classes. Air Canada’s Embraer 175s will carry 73 passengers, nine in Executive Class (three abreast at 38-inch pitch) and 64 in Hospitality Service (four abreast at 34- and 32-inch pitch).
The Embraer 175, along with the Embraer 170, received certification earlier this month from Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA), Canada’s certification authority.
Air Canada has also ordered 45 Embraer 190s to be equipped with a 93 seat configuration (nine in Executive class and 84 in Hospitality class).
Embraer 190 deliveries to begin in November 2005, following certification of this airplane in Canada.
As of June 30, 2005, the Embraer 170/190 family had logged 412 firm orders and 373 options.
Embraer is the world’s leading manufacturer of jet aircraft up to 110 seats.
Embraer (Empresa Brasileira de Aeronáutica S.A. is the world’s leading manufacturer of Commercial jets up to 110 seats with 35 years of experience in designing, developing, manufacturing, selling and providing after sales support to aircraft for the global Airline, Defense and Business jet markets.
With headquarters in São José dos Campos, state of São Paulo, Brazil, the Company has offices and customer service bases in the United States, France, Portugal, China and Singapore.
Embraer is among Brazil’s leading exporting companies. As of June 30, 2005, Embraer had a total workforce of 16,878 people, and its firm order backlog totaled US$ 10.9 billion.
Embraer – www.embraer.com.br