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Embraer, a Brazilian manufacturer of E170 and E190 regional jets, is planning to set up its first African servicing hub in Nairobi in 2013, in partnership with its leading customer in Africa, Kenya Airways.

Embraer Commercial Aviation president and chief executive officer Paulo Cesar Silva was quoted by Business Daily as saying that the company will invest in authorised service centres in Africa like Nairobi, considering the potential of the continent to provide business, especially in the intra-Africa air traffic segment.

Over the past year, Embraer has been making efforts to make in-roads into the African market which is dominated by Boeing and Airbus.

Embraer and Canada’s Bombardier have been competing to supply single isle jets suitable for domestic and regional travel.

Embraer delivered an E-190 jet to Kenya Airways on 22 November 2012, from the firm order that was placed in September 2011 for ten twin-engine aircraft.

The order also had an option to purchase an additional 16 aircraft, now the flag carrier plans to increase the order to 33 jets with the majority comprising E-190s.

Meanwhile, the airplane maker plans to maintain strong manufacturing presence in China by focusing on executive jets rather than commercial aircraft.

Over the decade, the company invested about $150m in the Asian country and seeks to invest further apart from exporting its airplanes to the region.

Embraer predicts a demand for 650 business jets by 2022, valued at $24bn and expects huge opportunities from China over this period.

Image: Embraer delivereda third E-190 jet to Kenya Airways on 22 November 2012.