China-Built Plane First Of 50 For Carrier

Brazilian planemaker Embraer recently celebrated the 1000th ERJ-145 aircraft delivered. The milestone aircraft -- which was manufactured by Harbin Embraer Aircraft Industry Co. Ltd. (HEAI) in Harbin City, China -- was delivered to Hainan Airlines subsidiary Grand China Express.

HEAI is a joint venture between Embraer and China's AVIC II. Hainan placed an order for 50 ERJ 145s and 50 Embraer 190s in August 2006; the deal called for the ERJ-145s to be built in China, while the E-190s are assembled in Brazil.

"I am delighted to witness the delivery of the 1000th jet of the ERJ 145 family to our valuable Chinese customer, the HNA Group. The aircraft is a proven product and has been flying with all the main world-class regional airline operators around the globe, since 1996," said Frederico Fleury Curado, Embraer President and CEO. "I firmly believe the aircraft perfectly fits the overall operational strategy of Grand China Express."

"ERJ 145 project is a significant measure of AVIC II to fulfill the strategy for development of regional aircraft and regional aviation instituted by the Central Government and the State Department," said Hongbiao Zhang, General Manager of AVIC II. "It is the first time that China collaborates by a pattern of joint venture with a leading foreign civil aircraft manufacturer to assemble aircraft.

"This project is a major outcome of the collaboration between China and Brazil in high tech industry, and a successful model of ‘South-South Cooperation’. It is beneficial to the development of aviation transportation, the pervasiveness of the convenience of aviation and the construction of a harmonious society. This project also prompts the development of aviation manufacturing industry and synchronizes China’s aviation industry with advanced technology worldwide. We will strengthen the cooperation with Embraer to deliver eximious service to clients in China."

Mr. Chen Feng, Chairman of HNA Group, says the airline's purchase of ERJ-145s is a deliberate move to support the development of a national aircraft manufacturing industry in China, according to Embraer, by allowing Chinese workers to hone their planemaking skills while assembling an established airframe. The move also fulfills the country's burgeoning need for regional aircraft.

After the delivery ceremony, the ERJ-145 flew directly to Tianjin City, where Grand China Express is based. Passenger flights will start right away, according to the planemaker.

FMI: www.embraer.com