Delivery of Embraer’s first E190-E2 jet to Widerøe. Credit: Embraer.

Embraer has delivered its first E190-E2 aircraft to Norway-based regional airline Widerøe at a ceremony held at the manufacturer’s facility in São José dos Campos, Brazil.

Widerøe plans to deploy the new 114-seat single-class aircraft on its domestic routes later this month.

The delivery was made as part of an order placed by Widerøe for up to 15 E-Jets E2 aircraft that include three firm E190-E2 orders and purchase rights for an additional 12 E2 jets.

The deal will be worth approximately $873m if all rights are exercised.

In addition, Widerøe’s E190-E2 fleet will be supported by Embraer’s Flight Hour Pool Programme, which covers more than 300 key rotable components.

“The E190-E2’s fuel consumption is 1.3% lower than originally expected, representing a 17.3% improvement compared to the current generation of E190.”

The programme currently supports more than 40 airlines across the globe. It is designed to allow airlines to reduce their upfront investment in expensive repairable inventories and resources.

Widerøe CEO Stein Nilsen said: “The E190-E2 is an impressive aircraft. It is the ideal airplane for Widerøe as we introduce jets for the first time in the company’s 84-year history.

“I believe everyone is going to celebrate with, as the launch customer, the fact that we are the first airline to fly the world’s most environmentally-friendly airplane.”

Embraer’s E190-E2 family of aircraft represents the first of three new-generation aircraft equipped with 80 to 146-seat E-Jets to be introduced by 2021.

The E190-E2 is powered by Pratt & Whitney’s PW1700G engines. It features completely redesigned wing and landing gear.

Compared to the first-generation of E190 jets, the E190-E2 family comprises 75% new systems.

The E190-E2’s fuel consumption is 1.3% lower than originally expected, representing a 17.3% improvement compared to the current generation of E190.