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Brazilian aerospace company Embraer, the third-largest airplane manufacturer in the world, rolled out its next generation E190-E2 jet during a ceremony at its factory and headquarters in São José dos Campos, Brazil. While the aircraft’s first flight isn’t scheduled until later this year, a large and enthusiastic crowd of employees, dignitaries and guests gathered to welcome the company’s newest jet. The festivities included a flyover by several Embraer aircraft including the KC-390 military transport prototype and the Brazilian Smoke Squadron Demonstration Team (Esquadrilha da Fumaça) flying EMB-314 Super Tucanos.
The new jet is a key component of Embraer’s “E-Jet E2” program that will see the E175, E190 and E195 lines modernized between now and 2020. The E190-E2 will be powered exclusively by Pratt & Whitney PW1900G turbofans and although seating capacity remains the same, the E190-E2 will offer improved fuel economy, full fly-by-wire capabilities and a new advanced integrated avionics system among other enhancements. Deliveries are expected to begin in 2018 with 267 orders on the books and a total of 640 commitments to purchase the jet.