Embraer last week flew its 195 twinjet for the first time, marking the debut of the fourth member of the Brazilian manufacturer's family of large regional jets. The General Electric CF34-10E-powered aircraft was airborne for almost 2h on its 7 December maiden flight from the company's Sao Jose dos Campos headquarters. All remaining flight tests will be conducted at Embraer's Gaviao Peixoto facility inland from its São Paulo base. The 195 is the largest of Embraer's family of four aircraft, which includes the in-service 170, the 175 - which is expected to receive certification this month - and the 190, which was flown for the first time in March. Certification of the 195 is planned for the second quarter of 2006. Embraer has 15 firm orders for the aircraft from Swiss, which also has 10 options. General Electric Capital Aviation Services has also taken 10 options on the 195.
Source: Flight International
