MAX KINGSLEY-JONES / LONDON
Embraer is in the running for several European regional jet orders, but firm deals are unlikely until the impact of the Iraq war has become clear.
Privately owned Portuguese carrier PGA Portugalia is evaluating the Embraer 170 to replace its six Fokker 100s and "the major part" of its eight-strong Embraer ERJ-145 fleet, says president Jo‹o Ribeiro da Fonseca. "We have a requirement in principle for 10-12 aircraft," he says.
Fonseca says that the initial requirement would be for the 70-seat 170 model, but later deliveries could be of the larger, 100-seat 190 series. Discussions are on hold until the crisis is over, he says, adding that when an order is placed, the timing of deliveries would be dictated by the ability of the airline to sell its Fokker 100 fleet.
Meanwhile, Regional Airlines chairman Jacques Bankir confirms the carrier is continuing to discuss an order for "at least 10" Embraer 175s and 190s, but warns that "an order this year is not likely".
The Air France subsidiary has been discussing a joint regional jet order with sister airlines, but Bankir says such a deal is not a necessity. He adds that the airline will need to start replacing its Fokker 100s by 2005.
Source: Flight International
