Brazilian manufacturer Embraer is using Farnborough for the European debuts of two of its newest aircraft - the EMB-145 regional jet and the EMB-312H Super Tucano military trainer.
Customers in nine countries have placed 54 firm orders and 179 options for the 50-seat EMB-145, now completing flight tests. Certification in Brazil and the USA is planned for the end of October, with European certification expected early in 1997. Deliveries will begin later this year.
Its presence at the show is a potent statement in the highly-crowded regional aircraft market. The $15 million aircraft is being marketed under the banner of "Back to Basics" and "Everything you need: Nothing you don't".
The rationale is that regional aircraft should combine no-frills manufacture and operation with passenger appeal.
The manufacturer claims similar or lower purchase costs than rivals such as the Saab 2000 and the Canadair Regional Jet, combined with lower operating costs across the board.
Designed
The aircraft is designed for easy turn-rounds at intermediate airports: refuelling, baggage-handling, catering and toilet servicing can all be carried out simultaneously.
Embraer sees the 145 as the linchpin in its expected financial turn-round during 1997.
Mauricio Novis Botelho, company president and chief executive officer, came on board 12 months ago to lead a new management team.
He wants to see Embraer return to profit next year and is banking on the 145 being an important factor in the strategy.
But the 145 is not Embraer's lone star at Farnborough.
Prospects for the Super Tucano are bright if the aircraft can follow the trail blazed by the EMB-312 Tucano turboprop military trainer, which is now operated by 14 countries and hold more than a third of the world market share.
The more powerful EMB-312H is under development to meet the Brazilian Air Force's ALX requirement for a light combat and advanced training aircraft.
It has also been selected as the turboprop trainer for the proposed NATO Flying Training in Canada, a Bombardier-led programme in which NATO air forces would send pilots to Canada for training on the Brazilian aircraft and on British Aerospace Hawk jet trainers.
Source: Flight Daily News
