New Generation Mid-sized Jet Marks a Turning Point in Air
Travel
Embraer has delivered the first
Embraer 190 to launch customer JetBlue Airways during a ceremony
held at the manufacturer's headquarters in Sao Jose dos Campos,
Brazil. JetBlue has placed firm orders for 101 Embraer 190s and
expects to take delivery of approximately 18 of the new aircraft
each year between 2005 and 2011. JetBlue service with its first
E-Jet is expected to begin in November.
"Quality engineering and manufacturing, with a focus on economy,
performance and comfort places our E-Jets in a class of their own -
one that opens new opportunities for operators to effectively meet
demand for markets suitable for jets with seating capacity ranging
from 70 to 110," said Frederico Curado, Embraer Executive
Vice-President, Civil Aircraft.
"JetBlue's move to expand their innovative product and low fares
to more destinations using our Embraer 190 is solid evidence that
our E-Jets are indeed capable to meet the increasingly challenging
market needs."
"Today is a day JetBlue customers and crewmembers have been
looking forward to for years," said JetBlue's CEO David Neeleman.
"As I look as this beautiful new aircraft I see many new
opportunities to bring the JetBlue experience to communities all
over North America. With all-leather seats (and none of them a
middle one), 100 channels of XM Satellite Radio, 36 channels of
free DIRECTV, and FOX Premium Entertainment, I am confident this
aircraft will turn heads everywhere it lands."
JetBlue's Embraer 190 aircraft are configured with 100 leather
seats in a two-by-two layout and a comfortable 33-32 inch pitch in
one single class that ensures all customers an aisle or a window
seat with easy access and movement throughout the cabin. JetBlue
E-Jets are equipped with its customary in-seat entertainment
system, featuring large 6.8 inch video screens, 36 channels of
DIRECTV and up to 100 channels of XM Satellite Radio and, on
flights longer than two hours, a selection of movies on FOX
InFlight Premium Entertainment.
The 100-seat Embraer 190 received FAA type certification Sept.
2, 2005, three days after certification was awarded by Brazil's
Centro Tecnico Aeroespacial (CTA). The European Aviation Safety
Agency (EASA) and the Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA) are
expected to certify the Embraer 190 soon. The Embraer 190 is the
third in Embraer's four- member E-Jets family to receive type
certification.
The Embraer 170/190 family has logged 412 firm orders and 373
options as of June 30, 2005. There were 177 Embraer 190s on firm
order as of the first half of 2005.