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Brazil-based commercial plane maker Embraer has presented E190-E2, the first E2 jet, at its plant in São José dos Campos.

Scheduled for its first flight in the second half of this year, the jet is expected to enter service by 2018.

The E2 programme, which started in 2013, aims to strengthen Embraer’s commitment to invest in its commercial aviation segment and sustain its position.

A total of $1.7bn has been invested in the E2 programme.

E190-E2 will feature engines with new aerodynamically advanced wings, complete fly-by-wire flight controls and other enhancements that will reduce fuel consumption, maintenance costs, emissions and external noise.

Embraer Commercial Aviation president Paulo Cesar Silva said: "Today we have taken another step into the future of Embraer commercial aviation with the world premiere of our second-generation E-Jets.

"Today we have taken another step into the future of Embraer commercial aviation with the world premiere of our second-generation E-Jets."

"I am sure that as a result of this event, the market’s interest in the E2 will grow even further, increasing the commercial success of this programme throughout the world."

Since its launch, the E2 programme has received 640 commitments, 267 of which are firm orders and the other 373 are options and purchase rights, from both airline customers and leasing companies.

Currently, 70 customers are operating E-Jets in 50 countries.

Embraer Commercial Aviation operations senior vice-president Luís Carlos Affonso said: "The rollout held today marks the completion of the assembly of the first E190-E2 and paves the way for the start of the tests that will lead to the first flight."

The E190-E2 is the first of four prototypes to be used in the aircraft’s certification campaign. Two more aircraft will be included in the E195-E2 campaign, and are expected to enter service in 2019.

Three more planes, which will be added in the E175-E2 campaign, are scheduled to enter service in 2020.

Similar to the seating capacity of the current generation E190, the E190-E2 has the option to configure with 97 seats in dual class facility or 106 seats in a single class design.

Compared with current generation aircraft, the range of the E190-E2 has been increased by 400 nautical miles.

Embraer estimates it will deliver 1,570 new jets in the 70 to 130 seat segment to various airlines over the next two decades.

Image: Embraer presents the E190-E2 jet. Photo: courtesy of Embraer.