American Eagle has taken delivery of the first 44-seat Embraer ERJ-140, while another derivative development of the ERJ-145, the XR, made its maiden flight. American Eagle is the launch customer for the ERJ-140, the size of which has been optimised around the carrier's 45-seat scope clause limit on regional jet size. The airline is scheduled to take delivery of 43 ERJ-140s by the end of next year. The ERJ-145 XR which is due to enter service with launch customer Continental Express mid-2002, will have a maximum range of (3,700km) 2,000nm, up 832km on the baseline model. The new 50-seat derivative features a 9% increase in maximum take-off weight to accommodate an auxiliary fuel tank, winglets and 7% increased thrust Rolls-Royce AE3007A1E engines. The carrier has ordered 75.
Source: Flight International
