Nordic Aviation Capital is set to become the launch lessor of the Embraer E-Jet Passenger to Freight conversion (P2F): it has reached a deal for 10 conversion slots for E190F/ E195F, with deliveries expected in 2024. Aircraft to be converted will be provided by Nordic Aviation Capital existing fleet.
The conversion to freighter will be performed at Embraer’s facilities in Brazil and includes main deck front cargo door; cargo handling system; floor reinforcement; Rigid Cargo Barrier (RCB) – 9G Barrier with access door and a cargo smoke detection system, including class “E” extinguishers in upper cargo compartment.
Other works specific of the P2F conversion are Air Management System changes (cooling, pressurization, etc.), interior removal and provisions for hazardous material transportation. The E190F can handle a payload of 23,600lb (10,700kg) while the E195F a payload of 27,100 lb (12,300 kg).
Last April, at FIDAE airshow in Santiago (Chile), in an exclusive interview with Aviacionline Johann Bordais, Embraer Services & Support President & CEO, stated that ” we felt that it was the right moment to go and launch the E1 E190/ E195 as a freighter”, and that there is a potential for Embraer to take about 20 percent of the cargo market with the conversions.
As for the signature of this deal, he emphasized that “There is unprecedented demand for airfreight, especially for same day deliveries and decentralized operations; the perfect mission for E-Jet sized freighters. Embraer’s P2F solution provides NAC with ideal revenue-earning extension opportunities for our earlier E-Jet models, now set to replace the more polluting narrowbody cargo aircraft heading into retirement.”
Norman C.T. Liu, President and CEO Nordic Aviation Capital, said, “We look forward to working with Embraer on developing an operator base for the E-Jet Freighter as cargo conversions are a key element of our full life cycle portfolio strategy for the future.”
Arjan Meijer, President and CEO Embraer Commercial Aviation, said, “It’s great to be doing business with NAC, who has always been a strong supporter of Embraer and regional aviation. Having launched the E190F and E195F conversion very recently, today’s announcement with NAC is a strong indicator of the demand we are seeing for our E-Jet freight conversions.”
