First European Embraer 190 Operator

Embraer announced Thursday that Regional-Compagnie Aerienne Europeenne -- a subsidiary of the Air France Group -- has taken delivery of its first Embraer 190 E-Jet.

During a ceremony held at Embraer headquarters in Sao Jose dos Campos, Jean-Yves Grosse, Regional CEO, accepted the first of six Embraer 190 jets ordered by the airline. The company also owns purchase rights on six more units of the same model.

"Today's event represents a significant milestone for Embraer," said Frederico Fleury Curado, Embraer Executive Vice-President, Airline Market. "When this Embraer 190 enters service with Regional, we will have all four models of the E-Jets family operating in Europe. And I am sincerely happy that this specific aircraft goes to Regional, a loyal customer with which we have enjoyed more than ten years of fruitful cooperation. The airline operates a full range of Embraer aircraft: the EMB 120 Brasilia, the ERJ 135, the ERJ 145 and, now, the Embraer 190."

Regional's Embraer 190 is configured with 100 seats in a single-class layout. It will be operated by the airline on both its French and intra-European networks.

"The Embraer 190 will enable us to extend our range of operation from France," said Jean-Yves Grosse, Regional Chairman and CEO. "The Embraer 190 is an advanced aircraft that will offer our customers an unbeatable level of comfort and, at the same time, will operate with consistent economics and with the lowest impact on the environment. We are delighted to be the first airline to operate this new aircraft in Europe."

The E-Jets program, which comprises four models with seating capacities ranging from 70 to 120, started deliveries in 2004 and has already delivered more than 180 aircraft in operation in North and Latin America, Europe, Middle East and Asia. A JetBlue E-190 is shown above.

FMI: www.embraer.com, www.regional.com/english.html