Embraer has launched another version of its rear-engined regional jet range, the 44-seat ERJ-140, squeezing the new offering between the 37-seat ERJ-135 and 50-seat ERJ-145.
In a related move that reflects strong anticipated demand for the 40-seat regional jet category, Fairchild Aerospace has selected Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) to carry out design, engineering and final assembly of the Fairchild Aerospace 428JET. The non-risk-sharing deal will bring service entry of the 44-seat regional jet forward by two years "ensuring we don't miss the market", says Fairchild president Jim Robinson.
The 428JET and bigger 728JET could be in service in 2002.
Embraer admits it has no launch orders for the ERJ-140, but is pressing ahead with a service entry target of March 2001, 17 months ahead of the 428JET, for which Fairchild Aerospace holds 95 orders and options.
The new aircraft is 96% common to the ERJ-135 and ERJ-145. Embraer president Maurice Botelho says the rationale for launching an aircraft into such a tightly defined seating range is largely dictated by the European market "which finds the ERJ-135 a bit too small and the ERJ-145 a little too big". He adds that high European landing charges drive the need for such niche aircraft, while in the USA the pilots scope clause limiting regional jet numbers is a factor. He says two major US customers, American Eagle and Continental Express, are looking at converting their ERJ-135 options to the new 44-seater.
Source: Flight International
