New Aircraft Successfully Performed a Range of Systems Validation Tests

Embraer is crowing about the maiden flight of the EMBRAER 190, the third member of a family of new-generation commercial jets specifically designed for the untapped 70- to 110-seat market. The first flight marked the beginning of the EMBRAER 190's flight test campaign, which will be conducted at Gaviao Peixoto, in the interior of Sao Paulo state.

The EMBRAER 190, serial number 0001, took off Friday from the company's Sao Jose dos Campos facility at 10:30 am (local time). In its 2.45-hour mission, the new aircraft successfully performed a range of systems validation tests and started the expansion of its flight envelope.

"We are thoroughly satisfied with the memorable completion of the EMBRAER 190's maiden flight, which set a new milestone in this highly challenging program," said Mauricio Botelho, Embraer's President and CEO. "Once in serial production, the EMBRAER 190, a world class product, will meet and exceed the most demanding requirements of the air transport industry."

Conclusion of the flight test campaign will validate the new aircraft, which can be configured for between 98 and 108 passengers, to receive type certification in the third quarter of 2005. This will immediately be followed by the first deliveries to launch customer JetBlue Airways of the U.S..

"Our first flight of the EMBRAER 190 went remarkably well and everything was as predicted, specially the confirmation of its common flight characteristics with the other members of the family. Without a doubt, pilots around the world will find this an excellent aircraft to fly," said Embraer Flight Test Pilot-in-Command Eduardo Menini. The test flight crew in the EMBRAER 190's inaugural mission included Flight Test Chief Pilot Luiz Carlos Rodrigues and Flight Test Engineer Fabio Costa.

The EMBRAER 190 was rolled out in early February in Sao Jose dos Campos in a ceremony attended by customers, partners, suppliers as well as Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and other high-ranking civilian and military officials. Even before its maiden flight, the EMBRAER 190 secured 110 firm orders.

The aircraft is powered by twin under-wing General Electric CF34-10E engines controlled by a redundant Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC). This computerized management system optimizes engine operation during all phases of flight, reducing fuel consumption and maintenance costs.

Like the other members of the EMBRAER 170/190 family, the EMBRAER 190 has four main cabin doors and offers airlines fast turn-around times and maximum cabin configuration flexibility for dual class, single class, or high-density seating arrangements.

One of the strengths of the EMBRAER 170/190 project is the comfort provided by the double-bubble fuselage design. Unlike other aircraft with this seating capacity, this design offers much more room around passengers' shoulders and feet. Additionally, seats and aisles are the widest among airliners of the same class.

The high degree of commonality among the four family airliners was designed to offfer exceptional operating and maintenance cost reduction for the carriers. Moreover, cross crew qualification (CCQ) allows better utilization of resources without the restrictions normally associated with mixed-fleet flying.

Another important feature of the EMBRAER 170/190 program is the use of fly-by-wire technology for the flight control systems, similar to those deployed on advanced military aircraft and larger commercial jets. Additionally, all four jets of the new family are designed to meet and exceed the demanding noise and emission-related requirements established by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

The EMBRAER 170/190 family of aircraft has secured 245 firm orders and 305 options from operators such as Air Caraibes, Alitalia, Cirrus, GECAS, LOT Polish Airlines, SWISS, US Airways, and JetBlue.

FMI: www.embraer.com