Boosted by a fresh batch of orders from the USA, Embraer is planning to double its production rates of the EMB-120 Brasilia over the next two years.
Embraer president and chief Mauricio Botelho says Brasilia production will be increased from 12 to 24 aircraft a year.
In addition, Embraer intends to deliver 132 regional jets in 1999. The company now has a backlog of 180 firm orders and 246 options on its 50-seater jet, the ERJ-145.
Contract
Botelho announced at the show on Tuesday that US carrier Skywest has signed a $513-million contract with Embraer for 20 Brasilias plus 40 options. Trans States Airlines of St Louis, meanwhile, is buying nine ERJ-145s.
"The turn-around of the company was satisfactorily completed at the end of the year and so now we have to see how the customer is looking at us and receiving our products.
"We are very proud to say that the ERJ-145 has been very well received in the market-place."
Source: Flight Daily News
