In a quiet affair (no media) Embraer undertook its first flight for the E-190 E2 yesterday. The flight was originally scheduled to take place during the second half of this year. The first flight took 3 hours and 20 minutes.
Understandably, there was a lot of excitement. “What a first flight! Today, all of us at Embraer should be proud and thrilled of this remarkable achievement. Watching the first E190-E2 take to the skies means we are paving the way for a bright future in commercial aviation. I’m certain that the market will show even greater interest not only for E190-E2, but also for the other E2s as well,” said Paulo Cesar Silva, President & CEO, Embraer Commercial Aviation.
The aircraft that flew today is the first of four prototypes that will be used in the E190-E2 certification program. Two additional aircraft will be assigned for the E195-E2 certification process that will lead to entry into service in 2019. Three more aircraft will be used to certify the E175-E2 which is scheduled to enter service in 2020.
Embraer is typically a quiet operator. The acceleration of the flight tests can only signify one thing: great confidence. The E2 is a lot more than the type of re-engine programs at Airbus and Boeing. Embraer was firm on their being on plan, on budget and on-time when we visited during roll out in February. Being early is therefore all the more remarkable when one considers how other programs have been going.
Count us among those who expect to see this E2 at Farnborough.
