Embraer and Fairchild Dornier have booked their first substantial post-launch commitments for large regional jets from airline customers.
TAM has signed letters of intent to buy 25 Embraer ERJ-190-200s and 20 Airbus A318s to replace its 50 Fokker 100s. The Brazilian carrier has also taken options on an additional 75 aircraft which can be taken as ERJ-190-200s, 98-seat -100s or 70-seat ERJ-170s. All are powered by versions of the General Electric CF34 turbofan. Embraer says the deal could be worth up to $3 billion and deliveries will start in 2004.
TAM has not announced whether its A318s will be powered by CFM International CFM56s or Pratt & Whitney PW6000s. The airline uses International Aero Engine V2500s on its A319 and A320 fleets.
Meanwhile CSA has selected Fairchild's 728JET for its 70-seater requirement. The Czech flag-carrier is buying four aircraft direct from the manufacturer and leasing a similar number from General Electric Capital Aviation Services.
Source: Flight International
