Aircraft SN 004 to Resume Test Program Soon

Embraer announced on Tuesday that one of the test EMBRAER 170s made an unintentional gear-up landing at the test facility at Gaviao Peixoto last Sunday, causing minor damage to the aircraft with no injuries. The incident, caused most probably by 'operational factors,' will not affect the EMBRAER 170 certification program, scheduled for November.

The aircraft, EMBRAER 170 S/N 0004, is expected to be repaired and reenter the flight test campaign in the coming weeks. Damage was limited to engine nacelles and to the lower aft fuselage. Repairs were initiated immediately and no changes in the EMBRAER 170 certification schedule are expected. The other six aircraft remain fully engaged in the development program.

The EMBRAER 170 certification campaign moves on according to schedule, having already reached its final stages, with more than 90 percent of the tests successfully completed.

The EMBRAER 175 successfully performed its maiden flight on June 14th and certification is expected to take place in the 3rd Quarter 2004. The EMBRAER 190 certification program is scheduled for the 3rd Quarter 2005 followed by the EMBRAER 195 certification during the 3rd Quarter 2006.

Currently the EMBRAER 170/190 family has 244 firm orders and 309 purchase options from SWISS, Air Caraibes, Alitalia, GECAS, LOT, US Airways and JetBlue.

FMI: www.embraer.com.br