Embraer has extended its presence in China with the sale of five Embraer 190 aircraft to regional carrier Kun Peng Airlines in a deal worth $187 million, it was announced on the eve of Farnborough 2008.
“We are much honoured to have Kun Peng Airlines as our new E-Jets family customer,” says Mauro Kern, Embraer executive vice president, Airline Market.
“We have always been confident in China’s regional aviation market expansion, and this is an extremely positive sign in that direction. I firmly believe that our customer-friendly Embraer 190 will make a strong contribution to Kun Peng Airlines’ growth plans.”
The airline plans to configure the aircraft with 98 seats in a two-class layout. First delivery is scheduled for this year. Headquartered in Xi’an City, Kun Peng Airlines is a joint venture between China’s Shen Zhen Airline and the Mesa Air Group of the US, with the Chinese company holding the larger share.
Since its start-up in late 2007, the airline has developed a network of 20 routes. Zhang Pei, general manager, Kun Peng Airlines, says: “Introducing the Embraer 190 jet fits our company’s strategy perfectly. Kun Peng Airlines is dedicated to building itself into the most sizeable, characteristic and competitive regional airline in China.”
Embraer has also signed a five-year parts pool programme service contract with Geneva-based airline Baboo.
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Source: Flight International
