Embraer’s first E190F completes test flight

Embraer’s first passenger to freighter E190F aircraft has successfully completed its first test flight in São José dos Campos, Brazil. 

The Embraer team flew the E-Freighter jet for around two hours on April 5, carrying out a complete evaluation of the aircraft. The aircraft, which belongs to US lessor Regional One, will continue to undergo testing before entering operation.

At the end of last year Embraer completed work on this first E190 freighter conversion.

“The E-Freighter program opens a new business opportunity for Embraer, meeting e-commerce’s growing global demand for cargo transport and matching the high-tech E-Jets family to an unbeatable operational performance,” said Francisco Gomes Neto, president and chief executive of Embraer.

He added: “These jets will be important tools for our customers and allow them to work with more agile and decentralized deliveries.”

The first flight is part of a series of evaluations that Embraer is conducting before the E-Freighter jets enter into operation. The aircraft has already been successful in both ground pressurisation and cargo loading tests, said Embraer.

The company launched its programme to convert E190 and E195 passenger aircraft to freighters in March 2022.

The E-Jet freighter programme has been created in response to e-commerce growth and increased demand for cargo capacity, especially to smaller markets.

If combining capacity under the floor and main deck, the maximum structural payload is 13,500 kg for the E190F and 14,300 kg for the E195F.

Embraer said in January that it plans to start physical work on its first E195 freighter conversion next year. 

Embraer to begin E195 freighter conversions next year