Embraer’s E190 converted freighter has been given a major boost by gaining certification from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
The 'E-Jet' conversion and the cargo loading system, developed by US Cargo Systems, were both certified by the FAA last month, the aircraft manufacturer revealed yesterday.
The company is hoping the conversion will fill the gap in the market between turboprop and existing narrowbody conversion programmes.
The FAA approval follows on from certification from the the National Civil Aviation Agency of Brazil (ANAC) in July. Embraer hopes to achieve EASA certification later this year.
Embraer Commercial Aviation chief commercial officer Martyn Holmes said: “FAA certification is an important milestone in our passenger-to-freighter conversion programme.
"We are excited to enter this market, filling a gap that has evolved in the market to meet the growing demand globally for faster deliveries, not just to metro areas, but to all regions.
"With our E-Jet footprint across the US and worldwide, we are offering optimum cargo solutions to our customers for this connected world”
The company said the E190F programme was launched to meet the changing demands of e-commerce and modern trade, which "require fast deliveries and decentralised operations driving the demand for faster delivery of shipments to regional markets".
Embraer claims the E-Jet will offer 40% more volume capacity and three times the range of large cargo turboprops, and up to 30% lower operating costs than larger narrowbodies.
Combining cargo capacity under the floor and on the main deck, the E190F’s maximum structural payload is 13,500 kg. The larger E195F will have a payload of 14,300 kg.
The E-Freighter made its debut flight in April and its first public appearance during the Farnborough Airshow in July.
https://www.aircargonews.net/1072404.article
