Embraer has confirmed earlier reports that it has received orders for 35 E190s from Chinese airlines and will switch its ERJ-145 final assembly line in Harbin to producing Legacy business aircraft.
Chinese leasing company CBD has firmed up options on 10 additional E190s and signed a letter of intent to purchase a further 10. Deliveries will begin in the second half of this year.
The lessor previously signed a firm contract for 10 E190s in January. All 30 aircraft will be operated by China Southern Airlines.
In addition, Hebei Airlines has signed a firm order for 10 E190s and taken out purchase rights on a further five. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in September.
Embraer also confirms that its Harbin plant, a joint venture between the Brazilian manufacturer and the state-owned Aviation Industry Corporation of China, will switch from producing ERJ-145s to Legacy 600/650s.
Details of the project will be finalised "in the next few weeks", says Embraer.
Source: Air Transport Intelligence news
