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Cessna SkyCourier Advances Through Development

GENEVA (May 20, 2019) – Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company, today announced new milestones in its Cessna SkyCourier twin utility turboprop development program, with assembly underway for the prototype aircraft and the additional five flight and ground test articles. Component testing also continues for the new propeller, nose landing gear and fuel system.

“When we began designing and developing the Cessna SkyCourier, we engaged a number of mission-centric customers for technical input to best meet their unique needs in one platform,” said Chris Hearne, senior vice president, Engineering. “We are building this aircraft with the flexibility and reliability needed for a variety of high-utilization operations including cargo, passenger or special missions and we are excited that the customers and the market are responding positively to its capabilities.”

Endurance and functional testing for the new McCauley 110-inch propeller consists of nearly 150 hours of operation and includes a variety of simulated flight profiles. The propeller is mated with the proven PWC PT6A-65B, 1100-shp engine, mounted on a test stand. Simultaneously, assembly of the fuel system test article and nose landing gear drop test article is underway, with testing to start later this month.

The Cessna SkyCourier is the latest clean-sheet design from Textron Aviation and will be offered in various configurations including cargo, passenger or a combination of both, all based on a common platform to meet the needs of a wide range of customers. The cargo configuration is designed to accommodate three standard air cargo containers (LD3) with a payload of up to 6,000 pounds while the passenger version carries up to 19 passengers.

FedEx Express, the world’s largest express transportation company and longtime Textron Aviation customer, signed on as the launch customer in late 2017 for up to 100 aircraft, with an initial fleet order of 50 cargo aircraft and options for 50 more.

Bombardier To Create Single Aviation Division

MONTREAL (Reuters) – Canada’s Bombardier Inc said on Thursday it would unite its corporate and regional jet-making units into a single aviation division, as it continues focusing on its strongest businesses while shedding aerostructure facilities in Belfast and Morocco.

The announcement comes ahead of an annual general meeting later in the day, where the plane and train maker is expected to face questions from investors on whether its turnaround plan is still on track as its transportation unit grapples with delayed rail contracts.

Investors were rattled last week when Bombardier cut its first-quarter and full-year revenue targets for the transportation division, its largest unit, raising concerns over whether it will still meet its 2020 targets of boosting margins and generating $20 billion (£15 billion) in revenue.

Bombardier on Thursday posted first-quarter revenue and profit, in line with revised expectations issued a week ago, when it sharply cut estimates for full-year profit and revenue.

It had slashed its full-year transportation revenue forecast by almost 8 percent to about $8.75 billion.

The company said in a statement it was making progress toward completing five long-term rail projects that have been marred in some cases by delivery delays and production problems, but these would take a few more quarters for completion.

Bombardier’s planned sale of its Belfast wing and structure-making operation, the largest high-tech manufacturer in Northern Ireland which employs 3,600, stunned workers who called on the British government to retain jobs.

A separate facility which produces aeronautical-equipment in Morocco will also be sold.

Under Chief Executive Alain Bellemare, Bombardier has been selling off businesses, including the money-losing Q400 turboprop program, to focus on more profitable units like rail and corporate jets.

The rail division, which is expected to generate $10 billion next year, is crucial to Bombardier’s five-year turnaround plan, after heavy investment in aircraft production drove it to the brink of bankruptcy in 2015.

Besides creating a single aviation division headed by business aircraft president, David Coleal, the company said it will consolidate its five aerostructures businesses to focus on facilities in Montreal, Mexico and its newly acquired Global 7500 business jet wing operations in Texas.

Bombardier’s commercial aircraft president Fred Cromer will continue to lead efforts as the company weighs the future of its money-losing regional jet program.

Some investors have questioned Bombardier’s credibility in revising its financial guidance after a recent debt raise.

“The concern, particularly after the March debt raise, is whether management remains committed to its longer term 2020 guidance,” said Toronto-based AltaCorp analyst Capital Chris Murray by email.

“We expect that during that process, the company had reiterated prior 2019 guidance, which it changed last week, adding to concern on the part of bondholders.”

A Bombardier spokesman declined to comment and said management would address questions at the meeting.

Bombardier said it continues to expect full-year free cash flow to be breakeven, plus or minus $250 million, as Global 7500 aircraft and key transportation project deliveries are expected to accelerate in the second half of the year.

Adjusted core earnings rose by $1 million to $266 million in the three months to March 31, while revenue fell 13 percent to $3.52 billion.

(Reporting By Allison Lampert in Montreal. Additional reporting by Arathy Nair in Bengaluru and Fergal Smith in Toronto; Editing by Arun Koyyur and Bernadette Baum)

FILE PHOTO: Logo of Bombardier is seen at an office building in Zurich, Switzerland February 28, 2019. REUTERS/Arnd Wiegmann

One Year Anniversary of Embraer E190-E2 First Flight

A year ago, at 7:35 a.m. in Bergen, Norway, the E190-E2 took off with 114 passengers on board. It was the first commercial flight of the second and latest generation of commercial jets of Embraer, the E-Jets E2. 

The aircraft, gracing the colors of Widerøe, the largest regional airline in Scandinavia, completed flight WF622, which ended at 9:35 a.m. in Tromsø. 

At the helm was Espen Bergsland, the airline’s chief pilot, and Embraer pilot Celso Fonseca, this flight marked the starting point for Widerøe’s aircraft transition – from turboprops to jets – and a change in passenger comfort.

With the intention of extending the connections between north and south Norway, as well as exploring new international routes, Widerøe decided to expand its operations by incorporating jets that can seat 110 to 120 passengers. Embraer’s new E2 Jets fit the bill. 

In November 2016, representatives of the Norwegian airline visited the manufacturer’s headquarters in São José dos Campos, in the suburbs of São Paulo, to see and assess the aircraft. Three months later, the company announced it was acquiring three E190-E2 and the purchase rights for another 12 jets of the E2 family.

In February 2018, the E190-E2 was certified to conduct commercial flights by the Brazilian National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC), the Federal Aviation Administration of the United States (FAA), and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). 

This victory, a triple and simultaneous certification, was recently repeated. On April 15, 2019, the E195-E2, the largest commercial aircraft ever developed by the Brazilian company, also received the triple permission.

The delivery of the first E190-E2 took place on April 4, 2018 at a ceremony held at the Embraer plant in São José dos Campos, São Paulo. After five days, captains Fonseca, Bergsland and Endre Berntzen took off to Norway. On the journey, they stopped at Recife, Las Palmas (Spain), Aberdeen (Scotland) and arrived in Bergen on April 12th.

The aircraft was welcomed to the Norwegian city with a party. Political and aviation officials, the press and employees attended a dinner with music, a Brazilian martial arts (Capoeira) show, a play and other attractions.

During the entrance of the E190-E2 into the Widerøe hangar, a local opera singer sang one of the songs from the Bachianas Brasileiras series written by Brazilian composer Heitor Villa-Lobos. “The ceremony was very beautiful. It included cultural aspects of both Norway and Brazil, as if a bond were forming,” said Fonseca.

So, on April 24th, Bergsland and Fonseca piloted the new aircraft from Bergen to Tromsø for two hours. The aircraft took off with the maximum capacity of passengers – regular passengers, leaders and employees of the companies involved – and made a calm flight to its final destination.

“This flight represents increased connectivity between the north and south of the country on one of the longest routes of the Widerøe network, increasing the number of passengers per flight and bringing greater speed and comfort to Norwegian citizens,” explained Daniel Balducci, manager of Embraer’s customer accounts.

When the E190-E2 landed and arrived at the gate, it was met with the traditional water jets. Slices of cake were offered to all the passengers at the landing gate.

“On the way out, we heard positive comments about the cabin’s low noise level. Afterwards, I even read an article written by one of the passengers on a blog saying that he felt like he was inside an electric car during the flight,” said Fonseca. “The Widerøe pilots also liked the plane very much and found it very easy to pilot.”

By placing the first E2 model commercially in the skies, the Norwegian airline officially started its transition from turboprop to jet aircraft.

Optimal Start To Operations For Manta Air

Toulouse, 18 April, 2019 – Manta Air, the new domestic carrier of the Republic of Maldives, has signed a Global Maintenance Agreement (GMA) with ATR, the world leader in the regional aviation market. This five-year contract covers the Maldivian airline’s full fleet for the repair and overhaul of easily replaceable components (Line Replaceable Units), propeller maintenance and an on-site leased stock of spare parts.

This long-term agreement also includes on-site technical support, through which a dedicated Customer Support representative assists Manta Air in their daily operations. The airline is benefitting from tailored recommendations to make an optimal start to operations, based on its very specific needs, and ATR’s expertise to enhance aircraft reliability.

“Manta Air’s aim is to raise the standards of the domestic aviation industry by providing the best flying experience for our passengers, and increased connectivity in the Maldives. As a tailor-made maintenance package, the ATR GMA responds specifically to our needs, and ATR’s expertise will ensure our brand new ATR 72-600s fly as much as possible. Our passengers depend on a reliable service and ATR’s GMA is a valuable tool to help us deliver this.” declared Edward Alsford, Chief Operation Officer of Manta Air.

Tom Anderson, Senior Vice-President Programs and Customer Services of ATR added: “Through this partnership, Manta Air’s is benefitting from our support and expertise from the very first stages of operations, enabling them to get the most value possible from their latest generation ATR aircraft. In an increasingly competitive market, initial parts provisioning, anticipation of spares requirements, parts reliability, repair management, maintenance costs optimisation and stock management are some of our operators’ crucial challenges.”

The first two ATR 72-600s of Manta Air, secured through Nordic Aviation Capital, have been delivered in late 2018, and a third aircraft has been delivered in early March 2019. With their dual-class configuration of 64 seats, Manta Air’s ATR 72-600s will help improve connectivity for the hospitality industry in the beautiful Maldivian atolls. They will be mainly operated on short sectors where ATR aircraft have already proven their operational and economic efficiency.

About Manta Air:
Manta Air was founded in 2016 and is a joint venture between Deep Blue Private Limited, a local company with multiple investments in the tourism sector and Mr. Umar Mohamed Maniku. The company was created to cater for the need for more air domestic transport options and to support the rapid development of domestic airports and the fast-paced expansion of resorts and guesthouses across the country.

About ATR:

European turboprop manufacturer ATR is the world leader in the regional aviation market. ATR designs, manufactures and delivers aircraft, with its fleet encompassing some 200 airlines in nearly 100 countries. The ATR 42 and the ATR 72 are the best-selling aircraft in the below 90-seat category. With continuous improvement as a driving force, ATR produces cutting edge, comfortable and versatile turboprops that help airlines expand their horizons by creating more than 100 new routes every year. Compared with other turboprops, ATRs offer an advantage of 40% on fuel burn, 20% on trip cost and 10% on seat cost, whilst offering the lowest noise emissions. ATR is an equal partnership between leading aerospace firms Airbus and Leonardo and benefits from a large global customer support network allowing it to deliver innovative services and solutions to its clients and operators all over the world. For more information, please visit http://www.atr-aircraft.com. Follow us on Twitter – #ATRLeads

Textron Profit Beats on Higher Aircraft Sales

FILE PHOTO: Cessna employee works on an engine of a Cessna business jet at the assembly line in their manufacturing plant in Wichita, Kansas March 12, 2013. REUTERS/Jeff Tuttle

(Reuters) – Cessna business jet maker Textron Inc reported a higher-than-expected quarterly profit on Wednesday, benefiting from robust aircraft deliveries, sending its share up 1.6 percent in early trading.

Business jet demand has been growing steadily in the United States, the world’s biggest market, on the back of an expanding economy and rising corporate profits.

Textron said it delivered 44 jets in the first quarter ended March 30, up from 36 last year. Commercial turboprop deliveries rose to 44 aircraft from 29 last year.

“We think this quarter has pretty much ticked all the boxes for Textron. Aviation growth has continued, with a positive book to bill in the quarter,” Vertical Research Partners analyst Robert Stallard said.

Textron has faced delays in final certification of its newest super mid-size Longitude jet, which is expected to contribute a ‘big chunk’ to the company’s revenue growth in 2019.

Analysts have warned that the certification delays from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration due to partial government shutdown followed by the regulator’s intense focus on re-certifying Boeing Co’s 737 MAX aircraft might impact sales growth at the company in the short.

Though the aviation business was among the drivers for a profit beat, Textron’s revenue missed Wall Street estimates, hurt by lower sales in its systems unit, which makes tactical armored patrol vehicles.

Textron re-affirmed its full-year profit outlook range of $3.55 to $3.75 per share.

Sales in the company’s aviation business, its biggest, rose 12.3 percent to $1.13 billion in the first quarter, while sales in the systems unit fell more than 20 percent to $307 million.

The company’s net income fell to $179 million in the quarter ended March 30 from $189 million a year earlier.

Textron earned 76 cents per share, above analysts’ average estimate of 68 cents, according to Refinitiv data.

Textron’s revenue fell 5.7 percent to $3.11 billion, below analysts’ estimates of $3.17 billion.

(Reporting by Divya R and Ankit Ajmera in Bengaluru; Editing by Maju Samuel)

Bombardier Celebrates Delivery of Q400 Aircraft to Qazaq Air

Bombardier Commercial Aircraft today celebrated the delivery of the first of two Q400 aircraft ordered by Qazaq Air JSC of Kazakhstan (“Qazaq Air”) in 2017. The order followed Qazaq Air’s successful launch of domestic service in Kazakhstan in July 2015, using three leased Q400 aircraft.

Qazaq Air’s Acting Chief Executive Officer, Adel Dauletbek and the airline’s Head of Public Relations, Sergey Khetsuriani, joined the airline’s flight and acceptance crew during a special delivery ceremony at Bombardier’s Toronto site where the Q400 aircraft is manufactured. H.E. Akylbek Kamaldinov, Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Canada was in attendance as well as Bombardier Commercial Aircraft’s team which included Ross Mitchell, Vice President, Commercial Operations and Mark Gilbert, Director, Sales.

“We are delighted with the performance of our fleet of Q400 turboprops and are excited to welcome the additional aircraft into our operation,” said Mr. Dauletbek. “With our larger fleet, our customers will benefit from the expansion of our route network within Kazakhstan, as well as to nearby cities in the Central Asian region.”

“We congratulate Qazaq Air on the growth of its operations and expansion of its network,” said Mr. Mitchell.  “The Q400 aircraft continues to prove itself in some of the most challenging locations around the world. The aircraft’s speed, range and fuel efficiency, and especially its certification for operations down to -54°C make it ideal for operations on Qazaq Air’s long routes in the Kazakh market.”

About Qazaq Air

Qazaq Air is a young, dynamically growing regional airline in Kazakhstan, 100 per cent of which is owned by “Samruk-Kazyna” Sovereign Welfare Fund. 

About Q400 Aircraft

Designed as a modern, 21st-century turboprop, the Q400 aircraft is the most recent development in the Q Series family of aircraft. It provides unmatched performance, operational flexibility and passenger comfort. In addition to the standard single-class configuration, Q400 aircraft are available with an optional dual-class interior for enhanced passenger comfort; in an optional extra-capacity configuration offering up to 90 seats for higher-density markets; and in a cargo-passenger combi configuration.

Bombardier Signs Firm Purchase Agreement for 6 Q400’s

Toronto, March 29, 2019 – Bombardier Commercial Aircraft announced today that a customer, who has requested to remain unidentified at this time, has signed an order to acquire six new Q400 aircraft.

Based on the list price of the Q400 aircraft, the firm order is valued at approximately US$ 202 million.

“The Q400 aircraft offers the perfect balance of passenger comfort and operating economics while maintaining its unmatched range and speed advantage versus other turboprops,” said Fred Cromer, President, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. “The demand for turboprop aircraft worldwide is tremendous and the Q Series aircraft are ideally positioned to meet the needs of regional airlines as they offer a unique ability to serve diverse and challenging environments. The Q400 offers the lowest seat costs amongst turboprops, with an enhanced passenger experience and a proven 99.5 per cent reliability.”

About Bombardier

With over 68,000 employees across four business segments, Bombardier is a global leader in the transportation industry, creating innovative and game-changing planes and trains. Our products and services provide world-class transportation experiences that set new standards in passenger comfort, energy efficiency, reliability and safety.

Headquartered in Montreal, Canada, Bombardier has production and engineering sites in 28 countries across the segments of Transportation, Business Aircraft, Commercial Aircraft and Aerostructures and Engineering Services. Bombardier shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (BBD). In the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, Bombardier posted revenues of $16.2 billion US. The company is recognized on the 2019 Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations in the World Index. News and information are available at bombardier.com or follow us on Twitter @Bombardier.

ATR Performs On Target

  • Delivered 76 aircraft, maintaining ATR’s leadership in turbo prop market
  • Turnover at US$ 1.8 billion
  • Achieved book to bill above 1 over 24 month period
  • Outlook for 2019 shows continuous momentum for ATR

Toulouse, January 31, 2019 – ATR, the Franco-Italian turboprop manufacturer, maintained its leadership on the market in 2018, showing a solid performance. It delivered 76 aircraft, booked 52 firm orders and stabilised its annual turnover at US$ 1.8 billion. With a total of 165 orders and 154 deliveries between 2017 and 2018, ATR achieved a book to bill ratio above 1.

Out of the 52 firm orders, 20 are for ATR 42-600s. In a difficult environment, ATR succeeded in reallocating the aircraft it was unable to deliver to Iran Air. With around 62% of the turboprop orders for the year, the modern ATR -600s continues to be the preferred choice of regional airlines. The 2018 results provide ATR with a solid backlog representing almost three years of production.

In 2018, ATR has sold aircraft in every region of the world, and welcomed three new operators into the ATR family (Silver in the US, Ewa Air in Mayotte in the Indian Ocean and HAC in Japan). ATR also signed the first contracts for aircraft equipped with its new ClearVision™ system. As the ideal route opener, ATR aircraft created 113 new routes in 2018, serving 1,346 airports worldwide (56 more than in 2017).

The market-leading turboprop manufacturer also surpassed three impressive delivery milestones in 2018. ATR delivered its 1,000th ATR 72, its 500th -600 series aircraft, only seven years after the launch of the programme, and its 1,500th ATR aircraft. In 2018, ATR has substantially increased its Customer Support activities. While installing a new training simulator in Toulouse, and introducing a brand new 24/7 Customer Service Center, ATR gained 15% more customers for its tailor-made pay-by-the-hour maintenance programme, the Global Maintenance Agreement (GMA).

Underpinning ATR’s success has been its policy of continuous improvement, which saw in 2018 the introduction of several innovations, including new Neo-Classic and Neo-Prestige passenger seats, which became standard on all new ATRs, and the optional standalone wireless In-Flight Entertainment system Cabinstream™.

The outlook for 2019 and beyond shows a bright future for ATR, as the global turboprop market will require over 3,000 new aircraft before the end of 2037. ATR aircraft will continue to help smaller, local economies expand their horizons while ensuring mature markets continue to thrive, thanks to its unbeatable economics, environmental performance and operational flexibility.

ABOUT ATR:

European turboprop manufacturer ATR is the world leader in the regional aviation market. ATR designs, manufactures and delivers aircraft, with its fleet encompassing some 200 airlines in nearly 100 countries. The ATR 42 and the ATR 72 are the best-selling aircraft in the below 90-seat category. With continuous improvement as a driving force, ATR produces cutting edge, comfortable and versatile turboprops that help airlines expand their horizons by creating more than 100 new routes every year. Compared with other turboprops, ATRs offer an advantage of 40% on fuel burn, 20% on trip cost and 10% on seat cost, whilst offering the lowest noise emissions. ATR is an equal partnership between leading aerospace firms Airbus and Leonardo and benefits from a large global customer support network allowing it to deliver innovative services and solutions to its clients and operators all over the world. For more information, please visit http://www.atr-aircraft.com. Follow us on Twitter – #ATRLeads

Story from http://www.atraircraft.com

ATR and Aurigny Confirm Order for 3 ATR 72-600’s

Guernsey-based airline will be launch customer for ClearVision™ 

Toulouse, 8 January 2019 – ATR and Aurigny today confirm the acquisition of three ATR 72-600 aircraft, following approval from the States of Guernsey and after the initial signature of a Letter of Intention at the Farnborough Airshow, in July 2018. The first aircraft will be delivered in August 2019 and all three will be equipped with the new ClearVision™ Enhanced Vision System (EVS), with Aurigny the launch customer for this cutting-edge technology.

ClearVision™ uses an external camera to display an augmented outside-view in real-time to a head-mounted visor, worn by the pilot with the EVS improving significantly the pilot’s vision. This is a major change for Aurigny’s crew as Guernsey’s location in the English Channel, see its flight operations regularly affected by fog, leading to disruptions for passengers. A study showed that an ATR equipped with the ClearVision™ EVS could have saved 50% of the disrupted landings in Guernsey, over the period of a year. ClearVision™ will also enhance operations into other destinations served by Aurigny.

ClearVision™ is an option on ATR’s latest avionics suite, Standard 3, which delivers important operational improvements and a first in commercial aviation. In addition to the EVS selected by Aurigny, ClearVision™ also offers a Synthetic Vision System (SVS) that provides the pilot’s Head-Up Display with digital images of terrain and obstacles, from an extensive database. Operators can also opt for a Combined Vision System (CVS), combining the EVS and SVS, and offering pilots the best possible vision and situational awareness.

Mark Darby CEO of Aurigny said: “The opportunity to modernise our fleet, allowing us to offer our customers the very latest standards of comfort whilst introducing technology that will minimise disruption to their travel, makes perfect sense. Aurigny plays a key role in assuring vital connectivity between Guernsey and the UK and Europe. These new aircraft are going to make a significant difference both to our flight operations and to the people of Guernsey.”

Stefano Bortoli CEO of ATR said: “ATR’s aim is always to develop solutions that will have genuine impact for our operators and also on the travel experience of their passengers. Aurigny’s new ATRs, equipped with ClearVision™ will reduce delays and cancellations for its passengers. To have Aurigny as the launch customer for this technology is the perfect seal of approval for its effectiveness. We are proud that our latest-generation ATRs equipped with this cutting-edge solution will provide improved connectivity for the people of Guernsey.”

Regional connectivity supports local economies, with a 10% increase in flights generating a 5% rise in tourism, an increase of 6% in local GDP and 8% more Foreign Direct Investment. With a fuel burn advantage of 80% compared to regional jets, ATR -600 series aircraft represent the most efficient way of supplying these essential links.

About Aurigny: 
As Guernsey’s airline, Aurigny is proud to offer a wide range of services and lifeline links to the Bailiwick and its visitors. Established 50 years ago, Aurigny have had the privilege of serving more than 16 million customers over this time, and currently operate more than 15,000 flights a year, to 14 destinations. Aurigny is owned by the States of Guernsey and their network includes services to Guernsey, Alderney, and destinations across the UK and in Europe.

ABOUT ATR:

European turboprop manufacturer ATR is the world leader in the regional aviation market. ATR designs, manufactures and delivers aircraft, with its fleet encompassing some 200 airlines in nearly 100 countries. The ATR 42 and the ATR 72 are the best-selling aircraft in the below 90-seat category. With continuous improvement as a driving force, ATR produces cutting edge, comfortable and versatile turboprops that help airlines expand their horizons by creating more than 100 new routes every year. Compared with other turboprops, ATRs offer an advantage of 40% on fuel burn, 20% on trip cost and 10% on seat cost, whilst offering the lowest noise emissions. ATR is an equal partnership between leading aerospace firms Airbus and Leonardo and benefits from a large global customer support network allowing it to deliver innovative services and solutions to its clients and operators all over the world. For more information, please visit http://www.atr-aircraft.com. Follow us on Twitter – #ATRLeads

Story and image from http://www.atraircraft.com

Embraer Signs Agreement With Air Kiribati For Up to 4 E190-E2

Singapore, December 19, 2018 – Embraer has announced the signing of a contract with the Government of Kiribati, in partnership with their national airline, Air Kiribati, for two firm orders for the E190-E2 E-Jets and two purchase rights for the same model. With all purchase rights being exercised, the contract has a value of USD 243 million, based on current list prices. The order will be included in Embraer’s 2018 fourth-quarter backlog.

Scheduled for a 2019 delivery, the E190-E2 will enable the flag carrier for the Republic of Kiribati, located in the central Pacific, to fly longer domestic and international routes than it currently does with its turboprop fleet. Air Kiribati will be the launch operator for the E190-E2 in the Asia Pacific region (excluding China). This order comes after a three-week Asia Pacific tour of the ‘Shark’ livery E190-E2 in October, which included a stop in Tarawa, the capital of Kiribati. Spanning four time zones and comprised of more than 30 islands, Kiribati is the only country in the world to be in all four hemispheres.

“We warmly welcome Air Kiribati to the Embraer family and we will work closely with the airline as they transition to the E190-E2 through our extensive entry-into-service package and world-class support team in the region,” said Cesar Pereira, Asia Pacific Vice President, Embraer Commercial Aviation. “Flying in the Pacific, over large bodies of water, requires outstanding range, performance and ample cargo capacity. Air Kiribati’s selection of the E190-E2 is yet another validation of the world’s most efficient single-aisle jet design, which exceeds these requirements and will enable the airline to enhance its flight frequency and to boost its network.”

“We were impressed with what we saw when the E190-E2 visited Kiribati in October,” said Hon. Willie Tokataake, Minister for Information, Communication, Transport and Tourism Development of the Kiribati Government. “Given its impressive range, lower fuel consumption and maintenance costs and dual class configuration that brings comfort to our passengers compared to its peers, the E190-E2’s capabilities empower us to enhance connectivity within our country and beyond, taking our nation to its next phase of growth.”

With a maximum range of up to 2,850 nautical miles, the E190-E2 can operate over the vast expanse of Kiribati, including from Tarawa directly to Kiritimati (Christmas) Island, one of the most challenging routes in the Pacific. The current domestic connection from Tarawa to Kiritimati includes an international stopover in Fiji.

The E190-E2 is part of Embraer’s new generation E-Jets E2 family of aircraft, which can seat between 70 to 150 passengers. The E190-E2 specifically, can seat up to 114 passengers, and is the first member of the E-Jets E2 family of aircraft to enter into service in April 2018.

Embraer has been present in the region since the first Bandeirante was delivered in 1978 in Australia and has been providing comprehensive support and services through the years to aircraft based in Australia and in the Pacific region.

Embraer is the world’s leading manufacturer of commercial jets with up to 150 seats. The Company has 100 customers from all over the world operating the ERJ and E-Jet families of aircraft. For the E-Jets program alone, Embraer has logged almost 1,800 orders and 1,500 deliveries, redefining the traditional concept of regional aircraft.

Story and image from http://www.embraer.com

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