Embraer will proceed with the 195 variant of its regional jet family even if sole customer Swiss International Air Lines opts for the smaller 190.
Frederico Curado, Embraer vice-president, civil aircraft, confirmed at the show yesterday that the manufacturer is in negotiations with Swiss on switching its original 15-aircraft order for 195s to the 190 version, which was rolled out just before Asian Aerospace.
"We have 15 firm orders from Swiss and even if we don't get them [for the 195] we will proceed as planned," said Curado.
Certification for the 108-seat 195 is scheduled for the second quarter of 2006. The 98-seat 190 was rolled out recently and is due to make its first flight within the next couple of weeks.
Curado said it was a "very special moment" for the 170/190 family of regional jets, with the recently certification of the 170.
Completion of the certification process is expected within days, followed by entry into service with customers US Airways, Alitalia and LOT Polish Airlines.
The certification process was notable for being a simultaneous process involving Brazilian, US and European authorities.
The Embraer 170/190 family of aircraft has attracted 245 firm orders and 305 options.
MIKE MARTIN
Source: Flight Daily News
