Air Canada has announced it has received its first Embraer 190, becoming the first airline in North America to receive two different E-Jet models. Air Canada also currently operates 13 smaller Embraer 175s.

According to Embraer, eventually the carrier will fly as many as 45 of the larger 190s, which will feature seating for 93 passengers in two classes -- 20 more than the 175s. The airline is expected to receive its last 175 in January 2006.

"Air Canada honored us in December 2003 signing a commercial proposal to acquire the Embraer 190, a commitment which later was extended to include the purchase of 15 Embraer 175s," said Frederico Fleury Curado, Executive Vice-President, Airline Market.

"Having these two E-Jet types -- the 73-seat Embraer 175 and the 93-seat Embraer 190 -- will allow Air Canada to significantly increase its operational flexibility, tailoring aircraft size to market demand without the typical training and logistical transition costs," Curado added.

As both aircraft use similar systems, it is expected Air Canada's flight crew members will transition from one model to the other primarily through self-instruction. The use of the common computer-based training for the Embraer 170/190 reduces the amount of ground training necessary and eliminates additional use of flight simulators, according to Embraer.

The Embraer 170/190 family of aircraft began operations in North America and Europe in March of 2004, with over 100 aircraft delivered worldwide to date. As of September 2005, Embraer had logged 427 firm orders for the regional airliners, with another 383 options.

FMI: www.embraer.com