Kun Peng Airlines To Be Second E-Jet Operator On Mainland

Embraer and Kun Peng Airlines Co., Ltd., kicked off the orders frenzy from Farnborough, England early, announcing Friday a contract for five firm orders for the Embraer 190 regional jets. Embraer says the order, from one of the main operators in the Chinese regional aviation market, marks an important expansion of Embraer’s presence in mainland China.

"We are much honored to have Kun Peng Airlines as our new E-Jets family customer," said Mauro Kern, Embraer Executive Vice President, Airline Market. "We have always been confident in China’s regional aviation market expansion, and this is an extremely positive sign in that direction. I firmly believe that our customer-friendly Embraer 190 will make a strong contribution to Kun Peng Airlines’ growth plans and will please Chinese passengers."

Headquartered in Xi’an City, Kun Peng Airlines is a joint venture between China's Shen Zhen Airline and the Mesa Air Group, of the United States, with the Chinese company holding the larger share. Since its start-up in September 2007, Kun Peng already has more than 20 routes in operation.

"Introducing the Embraer 190 jet fits our company's strategy perfectly, and we believe it will definitely benefit both of us, Kun Peng and Embraer, in our long-term cooperation," said Mr. Zhang Pei, General Manager of Kun Peng Airlines. "Kun Peng Airlines is dedicated to building itself into the most sizable, characteristic, and competitive regional airline in China, to promote the development of the Chinese regional aviation industry, and to contribute to China's harmonious civil aviation progress."

The Embraer 190 is one of the four members of the E-Jets family, and entered service in August 2005. On June 30, 2008, the Embraer 170/190 family of E-Jets had logged 847 firm orders and 827 options from more than 45 customers in 30 countries, with over 1.5 million flight hours.

The total value of the new order is US$ 187.5 million, at list prices.

FMI: www.embraer.com, www.mesa-air.com