SAO JOSE DOS CAMPOS - The Embraer E-Jets E2 program reached another important milestone on May 23 with the completion of the maiden flight of the E190-E2. The flight was originally scheduled to take place during the second half of this year.

The aircraft took off at 1:06 p.m., local time from Embraer’s facility in Sao Jose dos Campos and flew for three hours and 20 minutes. The flight occurred just three months after the E190-E2 made its public debut at a rollout ceremony at the factory in late February. The inaugural flight marks the beginning of the certification campaign for the E190-E2, the first of three new second-generation E-Jet models. The E190-E2 is scheduled to enter commercial service in 2018.

The aircraft that flew on May 23 is the first of four prototypes that will be used in the E190-E2 certification program. Two additional aircraft will be assigned for the E195-E2 certification process that will lead to entry into service in 2019. Three more aircraft will be used to certify the E175-E2 which is scheduled to enter service in 2020.

The E190-E2 has the same number of seats as the current-generation E190 and can be configured with 97 seats in dual class or 106 seats in a single-class layout. It has 400 nautical miles more range than the current-generation E190 and gives operators the ability to fly the aircraft up to 2,800 nautical miles.

Since the E-Jets E2s were launched in June 2013, the program has logged 640 commitments from airlines and leasing companies: 267 are firm orders and 373 are options and purchase rights. Embraer E-Jets are currently in service with some 70 customers from 50 countries

Source: Embraer