Embraer reveals US $4.9 billion order with Crossair

June 15th, 1999

Embraer registered an aviation industry record yesterday when it announced a US $4.9 billion purchase order agreement with Swiss regional carrier Crossair. The contract confirms the purchase of 40 ERJ-145 50-seat jetliners, of which 15 are firm orders and 25 options.

As the launch customer of the new ERJ-170 and ERJ-190 programs, Crossair has signed a purchase agreement for 30 firm orders for both the 70-seat ERJ-170 and the 108-seat ERJ-190-200 regional jets. In addition, Crossair has placed options on a further 100 aircraft, although the exact breakdown between the two versions has not yet been decided.

With headquarters in Basel (Switzerland) and a member of SAir Group, Crossair is Europe's largest regional airline, serving more than 100 destinations in more than 30 European, North African and Middle East countries. Crossair operates a mixed fleet of 15 Saab 340Bs, 34 Saab 2000s, 18 Avro RJ 85/100 and 12 Boeing MD-82/83.

With development costs for the ERJ-170 and ERJ-190-200 programs reaching the US$ 850 million figure, Embraer has scheduled delivery of the first ERJ-170 for the end of 2002, while delivery of the first ERJ-190-200 will take place in spring of 2004.

"Aside being a major milestone in Embraer's history, this contract is especially significant to this company. In deciding to be the ERJ-170 and ERJ-190 launch customer, Crossair has given a clear sign of the confidence and trust that Embraer and its products enjoy in the regional aviation market. Moreover, its decision to be Embraer's launch customer for the ERJ-170 and ERJ-190-200 (will) spur further sales orders for these products among other operators in the world'', said Mauricio Botelho, CEO of Embraer.

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