The Brazilian Embraer, the third largest aircraft manufacturer in the world, celebrated today the delivery of 1,600 commercial aircraft for regional flights since it started producing this type of model, almost two decades ago.
The “historic aircraft” number 1,600, an E190-E2 model of the company’s new generation of planes, was today delivered to the Swiss airline Helvetic Airways, the Brazilian manufacturer, a world leader in the segment of aircraft for regional flights, said in a statement (with at least 150 seats).
“It is an honor, as the new president and CEO of Embraer Aviação Comercial, to deliver this symbolic aircraft. It is an immense milestone for our E-Jets program and for the company’s history, ”said Arjan Meijer.
The Embraer family of E-Jet models, whose first generation entered service in 2004, is used by around 80 airlines in 50 countries and together accumulate more than 30 million flight hours, according to Embraer.
In addition to the 1,600 already delivered, there are another 300 on order, including some acquired by new customers, which could increase up to 100 the number of airlines flying Brazilian aircraft.
“This is the most successful passenger aircraft line in the industry, designed specifically for the 70 to 15 passenger segment,” evaluated Embraer in a statement.
The second generation of the company’s models, E-Jets E2, went into operation in 2018 and is especially characterized by its significantly lower fuel consumption.
Embraer celebrated the feat when it recovered from the blow caused by the announcement made a month ago by the American Boeing, which terminated the agreement by which they would merge part of their businesses.
The aeronautical construction company estimated that Boeing’s withdrawal from the partnership generated losses of 485 million reais (81.15 million euros) and has already announced that it has initiated arbitration procedures related to the termination of the agreement to remedy this loss.
The celebration also takes place in times of uncertainty for the global aviation market due to the crisis caused by the pandemic of the new coronavirus, which has left millions of aircraft on the ground worldwide and has already forced several airlines to lay off hundreds of employees and even declare bankruptcy.
The Brazilian company Embraer maintains industrial units, offices, service centers and parts distribution, among other activities, in America, Africa, Asia and Europe.
In Portugal, at the Aeronautical Industry Park of Évora, two Embraer factories operate, which is also a shareholder in OGMA – Aeronautical Industry of Portugal, with 65% of the capital, in Alverca, Lisbon district.
