Embraer has been granted final type and production certification for the EMBRAER 170 airliner from the Brazilian Centro Tecnico Aerospacial (CTA). A letter of recommendation from the European Joint Aviation Authorities (JAA) and issuance of a final type certification by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will follow shortly. Embraer also expects the newly established European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) to issue its type certificate for the EMBRAER 170 early next week. Awarding of final type certification for the EMBRAER 170 paves the way for the first deliveries and allows the aircraft to enter revenue service. Embraer expects deliveries to LOT Polish Airlines, Alitalia and U.S. Airways to begin shortly.

Bombardier Aerospace’s Q400, billed as the world’s most advanced turboprop airliner, has departed on a demonstration tour that will parade its capabilities before potential customers in 15 countries. The aircraft will also be showcased in the Bombardier Aerospace static display at the Asian Aerospace 2004 air show at the Changi Exhibition Centre in Singapore from February 23-29. The aircraft has a North American interior configuration with 70 seats at 33-inch pitch. The Bombardier Q400 is normally configured with between 68 and 78 seats, however SAS Commuter of Scandinavia operates a Bombardier Q400 with 58 seats at 35-inch pitch in an all-business class configuration.