Embraer earned its place as the show's most successful exhibitor in new contract terms yesterday when it revealed an $810-million order from US regional carrier Business Express.
This takes the value of Embraer's show announcements to more than $1.3 billion.
Over glasses of champagne, Mauricio Botelho, Embraer president and chief executive officer, announced that New Hampshire-based Business Express has bought 20 ERJ-135 regional jets, with first delivery scheduled for October 1999.
Backlog
The agreement also includes 40 options.
The new 37-seat ERJ-135 will be rolled out on 13 May, with first flight in July. This contract takes the order backlog for the ERJ-135 up to 48 firm and 72 options.
Earlier this week, Embraer announced a $513million order from US carrier Skywest for 20 Brasilias plus another contract, for nine ERJ-145s, with Trans States Airlines, also in the USA.
Asked if he anticipates more sales in the USA this year, Botelho was bullish. "Oh yes! We are only in February."
Both Continental Express and American Eagle have bought the ERJ-145 and are considering possible -135 purchases.
"The commonality of these two aircraft makes them very attractive to airlines," he adds. "There is a very definite cost benefit when you have the same cabin, same systems, same avionics and same training requirements."
Champagne smiles: Embraer president Mauricio Botelho (left) and senior vice-president, commercial sales Jules Rondepierre celebrate a new $810million order
Source: Flight Daily News
