Embraer launches new long range ERJ 145, launch customer

Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer has launched the newest addition to the ERJ 135/1401145 regional jet family, the ERJ 145XR (Extra Long Range). The company also disclosed that US regional carrier, Continental Express, had signed a purchase contract for 75 units of the ERJ 145XR and 100 additional options for any version of the ERJ 135 or ERJ 145. The total value of the deal including firm orders and options is worth US$ 3 billion.

"We have a very deep commitment with our customers and Embraer is constantly looking into their current and future needs", Mauricio Botelho, Embraer's CEO and President, told reporters at a news conference. "Development of the ERJ 145XR addresses a requirement identified among our customers for a longer-ranged regional jetliner capable of handling the very dynamic demands of the regional transport aviation market" he added.

"This new E&J 145XR will give us access to new regions and new cities throughout the United States, Central America and Canada with its extended range and capability", said Continental Express President Jim Ream. "In addition this order allows us to continue with our plan to be an all-jet operation and provide us with an opportunity to grow our network. Today's order coupled with our other recent Embraer orders brings Continental Express to 275 firm regional jet orders".

Offering a 2,000 nm range - a significant increase over other commercial ERJ 145 versions - the ERJ 145XR also will have improved hot and high operation capabilities and superior single engine ceiling.

Powered by two new and up-rated Rolls-Royce AE 3007A1E turbofans and equipped with winglets, that give y reduced specific fuel consumption, the ERJ 145XR introduces significant improvements on design weight characteristics of the basic airframe, and offers increased capacity fuel cells.

Embraer has scheduled the ERJ 145XR's first flight during the 1st quarter of 2001, the first airframe immediately undergoing flight test and evaluation trials. After gaining Brazilian and US airworthiness certification, Embraer intends to carry out deliveries as of the 2nd quarter of 2002.

In addition to this new order, Continental Express has placed firm orders for 150 ERJ 145 and 50 ERJ 135 aircraft. Having taken delivery of 68 ERJ 145s and 12 ERJ 135s, as of July 19, 2000, Continental Express' total order book of Embraer regional jets now stands at 375 firm orders and options.

Rolls-Royce has signed an engine order and maintenance agreement worth US$1.02 billion Continental Express for AE 3007A1 E engines for 75 firm and 100 option aircraft will be included in the long-term Fleet Hour Agreement (FHA) for engine maintenance with Continental Express.

Carmen Lloyd, President, Corporate and Regional Airlines, Rolls-Royce, said: "We are very pleased to further extend our relationship with Continental Express, which was the North American launch customer for the Embraer regional jet program. The combination of the Rolls-Royce AE3007 engine and ERJ 145 airframe has proven to be extremely successful, as evidenced by the number of new aircraft ordered and options exercised by existing customers."

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