Upsized Regional Jets Will Replace Older Narrowbodies

Embraer has signed the growing Virgin Nigeria airlines for eight Embraer E-170s and two E-190s, all Advanced Range (AR) versions. The deal includes options for another six Embraer 190 and purchase rights for eight Embraer 190 or Embraer 195 jets.

The value of the firm order, at list price, is US$ 301 million, based on January 2007 economic conditions, and could come to US$ 800 million, if all six Embraer 190 options and purchase rights for eight Embraer 195 are confirmed.

"Virgin Nigeria’s choice of the Embraer 170 and the Embraer 190 is a strategic breakthrough in this promising Sub-Saharan African market," said Mauro Kern, Embraer Executive Vice President, Airline Market. "We are extremely pleased by Virgin Nigeria’s decision to select Embraer aircraft and are sure that our E-Jets will provide the airline with the right tools for increased success. Our aircraft will help take Virgin Nigeria to new heights with its unparalleled combination of right capacity, sound performance, outstanding passenger comfort, and low operating costs."

First delivery to Virgin Nigeria is scheduled for September 2008. The airline intends to deploy the Embraer 170 on its domestic network, replacing older narrowbody jets in several markets, as well as turboprops on its strategic petroleum routes, such as Lagos-Port Harcourt. The Embraer 190 will be deployed in its regional and international markets.

With their advanced range capabilities, common type rating, and training and parts commonality, Embraer says the new aircraft will bring more flexibility to the entire network.

"These new E-Jets from Embraer will greatly enhance our ability to serve the corporate market, enabling us to offer our passengers superior standards and to match seat capacity and frequency to passenger demand network-wide," said Conrad Clifford, CEO of Virgin Nigeria. "We believe the Embraer E-Jets will give us the edge over the competition, as well as provide us with a family of aircraft with versatile capabilities."

Virgin Nigeria’s E-Jets will be configured with a dual-class cabin. The first class will be equipped with seven 20"-wide (51 centimeter) seats for the Embraer 170 and 12 for the Embraer 190, all fitted with computer power outlets. The economy class will have 60 18.3"-wide (46 centimeter) Elite seats for the Embraer 170 and 84 for the Embraer 190. All seats will be equipped with an in-flight entertainment (IFE) system supplied by Thales providing audio and video on demand.

Virgin Nigeria is Nigeria’s private sector flag carrier, with 51% owned by Nigerian institutional investors and 49% by Virgin Atlantic. The airline was formed in September 2004, when the Nigerian Government announced the selection of Virgin Atlantic Airways as the strategic investor and technical partner in the project.

FMI: www.virginnigeria.com, www.embraer.com