Larger Regional Jets Still Attractive For Airlines

Brazilian planemaker Embraer ended the first official day at the Farnborough International Airshow with new orders from Aeroméxico, NAS Aviation and NIKI Airlines... all for the planemaker's E-190 airliner.

Saudi Arabian carrier NAS Aviation added five more planes to its existing order for five Embraer 190s, announced last year in Dubai. The total value of the new agreement, at list price, is US$ 187.5 million, and the airline also retains purchase rights for 12 more aircraft of the same model. The deal is already included in Embraer’s 2008 second quarter firm order backlog as "undisclosed."

NIKI Luftfhart GmbH signed a contract for five E-190s, and also opted for purchase rights for another five planes at a later date. Deliveries are scheduled
to begin in the first half of 2009.

"NIKI's decision to select the Embraer 190 to complement its existing fleet of narrowbody jets is great news, indeed," said Mauro Kern, Embraer Executive Vice President, Airline Market. "The company is true to its low-cost airline philosophy and is paying special attention to the economic advantages our jets can deliver. The decision is even more remarkable when we consider the highly competitive environment of the low-cost segment in Europe. "

The Embraer 190 will serve the Austrian airline's existing European network, operating from Vienna and Innsbruck, Austria. NIKI also plans to fly the aircraft on new intra-European routes.

Lastly, Aeromexico signed a contract for 12 Embraer 190 jets, to be flown by its Aeroméxico Connect subsidiary. The airline already operates 28 ERJ-145 jets, and has taken operating leases on four Embraer 190 jets from GE Commercial Aviation Services (GECAS), since November 2007.

"We appreciate Aeroméxico's new order and are honored to be able to support this airline's decision to renew its fleet with highly efficient, high-technology aircraft," said Mauro Kern, Embraer Executive Vice President, Airline Market. "Embraer and Aeroméxico share the history of a successful commercial alliance and we are confident that this new agreement will further strengthen our good relations."

Aeroméxico was Embraer's launch customer for both the ERJ 145 and the E-Jets families in Mexico, in 2003 and 2007, respectively.

FMI: www.embraer.com