Embraer unveils first E190F converted freighter

Embraer has completed work on the first E-Freighter, an E190 converted from a passenger aircraft to a freighter. The aircraft was unveiled on Thursday during an internal event in Sao Jose dos Campos, where Embraer is doing the conversion work by itself.

Work on the aircraft started earlier this year, including cutting out a large part of the forward upper fuselage, reinforcing the structure, including a rigid cargo barrier and cargo handling system, and inserting a new fuselage section with a large door. The door was actually placed only in October. The E190F has a gross structural payload of 13.150 kilograms and a net payload of 10.700 kilograms, including the upper deck and belly hold.

The first aircraft has begun ground tests and is expected to start flight testing soon, which will lead to the supplemental type certificate (STF) later in 2024. Embraer

forecasts a market of some 600 converted freighters in the E1-size category. The Brazilians formally launched the E-Freighter in March 2022, targeting the market between full-freighter turboprops like the ATR 72-600F or similar-sized aircraft, and the Boeing 737-800BCF and Airbus A320P2F. Specifically, it targets the market in the 14 to 15 tonnes payload capability.