Fifth E-Jet In The Airline's All-Embraer Fleet

Embraer has signed a contract with Fuji Dream Airlines (FDA) of Japan for the sale of an Embraer 175, which is the fifth E-Jet in the airline's fleet. The new aircraft will be configured in a single class with 84 seats. The order also includes an option for one additional aircraft of the same model and marks the quick expansion of FDA's fleet in a highly competitive market like Japan's. This deal is already included in Embraer's firm order backlog for the third quarter of 2010, as "Undisclosed" customer.

Fuji Dream Airlines E-175

"We are honored that FDA has reaffirmed its confidence in the E-Jets family and ordered another Embraer  175," said Paulo Cesar de Souza e Silva, Embraer Executive Vice President, Airline Market. "The re-order is a sign that our E-Jets have been instrumental in the birth and growth of a new airline, and provided it with an optimal tool to develop new routes, while providing their customers with a reliable and comfortable airplane."

As a start-up airline in Japan in 2007, FDA chose to purchase two Embraer  170s as its debut aircraft. The first was delivered in February 2009. In June, the airline decided to increase the fleet and ordered one Embraer  175, which joined the two original Embraer  170s in early 2010. With this agreement, FDA will end 2010 with a total of five E-Jets (three Embraer  170s - one pre-owned and bought this year - and two Embraer  175s).

"Since FDA started offering flights in July 2009, we have made significant progress in developing our network and business. This progress has been made possible partly due to the operational flexibility offered by the E-Jets family, especially the Embraer  170 and Embraer  175, which has allowed us to explore and capitalize on new routes," said Tsuneji Sugawa, Senior Managing Director of Fuji Dream Airlines.

FDA is the only airline in Japan with an all-Embraer E-Jets fleet. The company is part of the Suzuyo Group, which owns a full-flight simulator to provide pilot and fleet engineering training for its staff. FDA has also signed a ten-year Pool Flight Hour program contract with Embraer to manage and facilitate all necessary spare parts for its E-Jets. The program gives airlines the opportunity to reduce their cost exposure related to parts inventory and storage facilities, therefore increasing their capacity to budget costs.

FMI: www.embraer.com