Embraer 190 Airliner TC'ed By Brazil, US Cert Expected Shortly

Embraer has announced that it has been granted type certification for the 100-seat Embraer 190 airliner on schedule from the Brazilian certification authority Centro, Tecnico Aeroespacial (CTA).
 
The type certificate was presented to Embraer in a ceremony held at its headquarters in Sao Jose dos Campos, Brazil. CTA certification will shortly be followed by type certification for the Embraer 190 in the US by the FAA, paving the way for deliveries to begin to launch-customer JetBlue in North America.

The certification campaign used five pre-series Embraer 190 jets, consumed approximately 1,800 test flight hours, and involved the production of more than 970 reports, as well as thousands of development and supporting documents. An additional 140 tests were conducted in laboratories and ground test simulators.

The Embraer 190 is the third in Embraer's new four-member jet family to receive type certification. The Embraer 195, last in the family, is expected to be certified in mid 2006. The Embraer 170/190 family logged 412 firm orders and 373 options as of June 30, 2005.

Issuance of a type certificate by the Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA) and European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) is expected to follow shortly.

The Embraer 170/190 Family

Embraer notes that it is currently developing an entirely new family of aircraft specifically designed for the commercial aviation market. The new product line comprises the Embraer 170, Embraer 175, Embraer 190 and Embraer 195 jets -- seating respectively up to 78, 86, 108 and 118 passengers.

The high degree of commonality among the family of four airliners results in exceptional spare parts and maintenance cost reduction for carriers. Moreover, cross crew qualification (CCQ) allows better utilization of resources without the restrictions normally associated with mixed-fleet flying.

Each model of the Embraer 170/190 family has two under-wing CF34 General Electric engines, which are continually monitored by a redundant computerized management system, called Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC). This system optimizes engine operation during all phases of the flight, and in turn, reduces fuel consumption and maintenance costs.

Another important feature of the Embraer 170/190 program is the use of fly-by-wire technology for the flight control systems, similar to that which is deployed on larger commercial jets and advanced military aircraft.

Each member of the Embraer 170/190 family has two main passenger doors and two service doors that minimize aircraft turn-around time. All four aircraft can be configured for single class or dual class seating.

Another strength of the Embraer 170/190 family is the comfort provided by the double-bubble fuselage design. Unlike other aircraft of similar seating capacities, this design offers much more personal space for passengers, particularly at feet, elbow and shoulder level. Seats and aisles are the widest among airliners of their respective aircraft capacity categories.

Embraer expects its new commercial jet family to win a significant share of the still untapped market for jets in the 70 to 110-seat range -- mainly due to their superior performance, exceptional cabin comfort and reduced operating costs. All four jets are designed to exceed the demanding noise and emission-related requirements established by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

The Embraer 170 received type certification in February 2004. The Embraer 175's certification was awarded in December of the same year. The Embraer 190 made its first flight in March 2004 and received certification in August 2005.

The Embraer 195's first flight was in December 2004, and conclusion of its certification campaign is expected in mid 2006.

FMI: www.Embraer.com