British Airways orders 11 Embraer E-Jets

Embraer recently announced that the Brazilian aircraft builder and British Airways signed a contract for 11 E-Jets, comprised of six Embraer 170 and five Embraer 190SR jets, to be operated by BA CityFlyer.

The deal, which heralds a significant modernization of its regional fleet, also includes options for another three Embraer 190SR jets. The first BA CityFlyer Embraer 170, configured with 76 seats, is scheduled for delivery in the second semester of 2009. The larger Embraer 190SR will seat up to 98 passengers.

British Airways Embraer E190

The Embraer 170 obtained steep approach certification to operate at London City Airport in June 2007. This approach uses a software solution developed within the existing fly-bywire system, which means improved flight quality and control and reduced pilot workload, with less weight and maintenance cost. The Embraer 190SR is currently undergoing a series of engineering evaluation tests with a view to receiving its steep approach certification by the end of 2009.

In order to support its new Embraer fleet during the next ten years, British Airways also signed the Embraer Pool Flight Hour Program, which provides optimized inventory control at reduced initial investments for parts and infrastructure.

On September 30, 2008, Embraer had logged 865 firm orders and 813 options for the E-Jets family. With 500 aircraft delivered to date, the family has a broad base of 52 operators in 35 countries, on five continents.

Source: Embraer
Image: Embraer