Embraer announced yesterday that it has clocked up new orders for 20 EMB-120 Brasilia turboprops and nine RJ145 regional jets.
The Brazilian company says it is also on track to roll out its 37-seater regional jet earlier than expected.
Mauricio Botelho, Embraer's president and chief executive officer, reveals that US regional carrier Skywest has signed a $13-million deal in which it will receive 20 Brasilias.
The contract also includes 40 options. Deliveries will start in March.
Skywest has recently entered a new marketing agreement with United Airlines to become a United Express carrier in southern California. The new aircraft will be used on those routes.
Skywest already has 50 Brasilias in its fleet. "The Brasilia provides exceptional comfort and safety," says Jerry Atkin, Skywest's president and chief executive officer.
Routes
Another US airline, meanwhile, has increased its original order for seven RJ145s to nine, with 19 options.
Trans States Airlines of St Louis, Missouri, will use the jets on routes out of Chicago that it will fly for United as United Express. The first delivery will take place in April.
This brings the total RJ145 order book up to 180 firm and 246 options, says Botelho.
Embraer also reveals that it will bring forward the roll-out of its RJ135 37-seater regional jet to 13 May, with first flight in July.
The $100-million development programme for this aircraft is being jointly funded by Industrial Development Institutions, risk-sharing suppliers and Embraer.
Botelho says he sees a demand for 500 RJ135s over the next ten years, with first delivery slated for the second half of 1999.
Customers to date are Flandre Air of Lille, France, and Wexford Management of Connecticut in the USA.
Source: Flight Daily News
