Embraer takes delivery of first E190 for conversion
20 / 02 / 2023
E195F. Photo: Embraer
Brazilian commercial aircraft manufacturer Embraer’s first E190 passenger aircraft has arrived at its conversion facility in Brazil.
Embraer said in a LinkedIn post on February 20: “The first pre-owned E190 to be converted to (a) freighter has arrived in our facility in Sao José dos Campos, São Paulo, Brazil. Our team is very excited and eager to start the structural modifications of this E-Jet currently configured to passenger transportation.
“This important milestone reinforces Embraer’s commitment to this new program. Through the E-190F and the E-195F, cargo carriers will maximize efficiency by matching capacity to demand as well as offering greater frequency and better operating economics in smaller markets with increased e-commerce demands.”
Embraer’s programme to convert pre-owned E190s and E195s from passenger jets to freighters was launched in March last year.
In October 2022, Embraer and lessor Nordic Aviation Capital (NAC) signed a contract for up to 10 passenger to freighter (P2F) conversion slots for the E190F/E195F, with deliveries starting in 2024.
The companies reached an agreement in principle to take up to 10 E-Jet conversions in May 2022.
In July 2022, NAC agreed a memorandum of understanding to place the first two Embraer E190F P2F conversions with Kenya-based cargo airline Astral Aviation.
Embraer said its E-Jet P2F conversions will have over 50% more volume capacity, three times the range of large cargo turboprops, and up to 30% lower operating costs than narrowbodies.
The conversions will be performed at Embraer’s facilities in Brazil and include maindeck front cargo door; cargo handling system; floor reinforcement; and Rigid Cargo Barrier (RCB) – 9G Barrier with access door.
Combining underfloor bulk cargo and maindeck, the maximum gross structural payload is 13,150 kg for the E190F and 14,300 kg for the E195F.
The E190F can handle a payload of 10,700 kg while the E195F has a payload of 12,300 kg.
Nordic Aviation Capital orders up to 10 Embraer freighter conversions
Astral Aviation to operate first two Embraer E190F conversions