Fast-growing Indian domestic carrier Jet Airways has become the launch customer for the 78-seat Embraer 175. It has ordered 10 of the type, plus 10 options, in a deal totalling $520 million for delivery from June 2004 to 2007.
In announcing the order, Jet's ebullient chairman Naresh Goyal described the aircraft as a "great product". He also let slip that he has launched the Boeing 737-900 in Asia by converting one of its four outstanding options for the largest member of the Next Generation 737 family, and is talking to Boeing about ordering more -900s.
Privately-owned Jet Airways, which was advised by former CFM International president Gerard Laviec on its selection of a 70-80-seater, currently operates a fleet of eight ATR-42s and 30 737s. The options it holds on the 175 can be converted to the larger 190 or 195.
There are five pre-series 170s in Embraer's test programme today, with a sxith taking off at the end of July. JAA certification, followed immediately by FAA certification, is planned by March 2003, says Embraer president Mauricio Botelho. The 175 will be certificated and first delivered in June 2004, with the 108-seat 195 following in December 2004, and the 190 in 2005.
Source: Flight Daily News
