Embraer’s E190F small jet freighter has reached the latest stage in its move towards operational service with the award of FAA certification for its conversion program and cargo loading system.
This follows on from certification from its home regulator, Brazil’s ANAC, in July. EASA certification is anticipated by the end of this year.
“FAA certification is an important milestone in our passenger-to-freighter conversion program,” Embraer Commercial Aviation CCO, Martyn Holmes said. “We are excited to enter this market, filling a gap that has evolved in the market to meet the growing demand globally for faster deliveries, not just to metro areas, but to all regions.
“With our E-Jet footprint across the US and worldwide, we are offering optimum cargo solutions to our customers for this connected world.”
The prototype E190 E-Freighter, formerly a passenger aircraft with Colombia’s Avianca first flew in April, slightly under two years since the program was launched. The aircraft is owned by U.S.-based lessor and aviation services group Regional One, and was shown at July’s Farnborough Airshow.
Embraer says that E-Jets converted to freighters will have more than 40% greater volume capacity, three times the range of large cargo turboprops, and up to 30% lower operating costs than larger narrowbodies. If combining capacity under the floor and main deck, the E190F’s maximum structural payload is 13,500 kg.
Embraer believes there is a market of up to 700 aircraft in the E190/195 category over the next 20 years and that E1-generation aircraft retired from passenger service and converted to cargo aircraft can fill this gap, notably as elderly jet freighters in service today reach the end of their useful lives.
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