Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer announced today that it has signed the first firm contract for the conversion of up to ten E-Jets to freighter versions with «an undisclosed customer». The aircraft will come from the customer’s existing fleet, they said. Deliveries are expected to begin in 2024.
This became first firm agreement for Passenger-to-Freighter (P2F) Embraer aircraft. In May this year, the company had signed an agreement in principle to take up to ten conversion processes slots for E190F and E195F aircraft with the lessor company Nordic Aviation Capital (NAC).
According to Embraer, the E-Jets Freighters will increase their cargo capacity by more than 50% compared to the passenger versions. In addition, they will have a greater range than turboprop freighters and will reduce operating costs by up to 30% compared to similar aircraft on the market.
«With more than 1.600 E-Jets delivered by Embraer globally, P2F customers benefit from a well-established, mature, global services network, in addition to a comprehensive portfolio of products ready to support their operations from day one», the company said.
The conversions will be carried out at the manufacturer’s facilities in Brazil and will include the modification of the main deck front cargo door, the reinforcement of the cabin floor, the adaptation of the smoke detection system and changes to the interior air management system, among other modifications.
Combining under-floor bulk cargo and main deck, the E190Fs will be able to carry up to 13.150 kilograms of gross payload and up to 10.700 kilograms of net weight. The E190Fs, on the other hand, will carry up to 14.300 kilograms of gross payload and up to 12.300 kilograms of net weight.
See also: Embraer inaugurates its Sorocaba services center expansion
