EMBRAER WILL roll out the prototype EMB-145 regional jet at its Sao Jose dos Campos plant on 18 August. All ground tests, are scheduled to be completed by late July, leading to a first flight in August according to the manufacturer.
The 13-month, 1,100h, flight-test programme is to be conducted using one prototype and three pre-series aircraft. First deliveries are scheduled for late 1996. Embraer has firm orders for 13 of the 50-seat, $13 million, regional jet, plus options for eight and letters of intent for 127.
The Brazilian manufacturer, meanwhile, has announced orders worth more than $90 million for 12 EMB-120 Brasilia Advanced 30-seat regional turboprops. Delta Connection carrier SkyWest Airlines has ordered ten aircraft for delivery between October and March 1997. SkyWest already operates 29 Brasilias, and now has orders for 21 and options on ten, and is planning an all-Brasilia turboprop fleet.
New Sao Paulo-based Brazilian regional carrier Passaredo Transportes Aereos has ordered two "quick-change" passenger/ cargo EMB-120QCs for delivery in August and October. The airline will begin operations in July, flying a Brasilia leased from Embraer. The Brazilian manufacturer has now sold 322 Brasilias.
Source: Flight International
