embraer190

Irish aircraft leasing firm Aldus Aviation has placed a firm order with Brazilian aeroplane manufacturer Embraer for the purchase of 20 E-Jets, comprising five E-175s and 15 E-190s, with an option for an additional 15 E-Jet aircraft.

When exercised with the optional order, the deal could reach a value of $1.56bn based on list prices.

The firm order was already included in Embraer’s 2012 fourth quarter backlog and was listed as an undisclosed customer.

Embraer Commercial Aviation president and chief executive officer Paulo Cesar Silva said that this deal with Aldus Aviation, which has an exclusively Embraer fleet, confirmed the value of the E-Jets as economical asset for leasing and financing companies.

"Aldus has been a successful partner for Embraer, placing aircraft throughout Europe, the Middle East, Australasia and Central and South America and this order will allow new market opportunities to be developed together," Silva added.

Powered by GE CF34-8E engines, the E-175 will have a maximum takeoff weight of 82,673lbs, can accommodate 78 to 88 passengers, and will offer significant cost advantages to airlines, according to Embraer.

"This order will allow new market opportunities to be developed."

E-190 features GE CF34-10E engines, fly-by-wire technology, cockpit commonality, has a maximum takeoff weight of 105,359lbs and can accommodate about 98 to 114 passengers.

Aldus Aviation chief executive officer Stephen Gorman said that the order was a culmination of many years of successful co-operation with Embraer in developing a leasing market for the E-Jet family.

"We view the E-Jet family as a key product, not only for Aldus, but for airlines seeking to provide a quality flying experience for passengers and generating profits in a challenging airline market," Gorman said.

"Several significant opportunities are in prospect and we believe that Embraer E-Jets will be increasingly central to fleet planning in many airlines."

More than 900 Embraer E-Jets are currently in service, and 63 operators from 43 countries are operating or will soon take the delivery of E-Jets.

Earlier this month, Embraer selected Pratt & Whitney’s PurePower Geared Turbofan engines to power its second generation E-Jets.

Image: Featuring GE CF34-10E engines E-190 can accommodate up to 114 passengers. Photo: file image.