Embraer delivered the first EMBRAER 190 jet to Alitalia, today, in a ceremony at the manufacturer’s headquarters in São José dos Campos, Brazil. This aircraft is part of an order announced in March 2011 for five EMBRAER 190 and 15 EMBRAER 175 jets by the Italian airline, and will be operated through a leasing agreement with Air Lease Corporation, based in the U.S.“Delivering the E190 to Alitalia is a clear endorsement of the aircraft as the preferred equipment type in this capacity segment,” said Paulo César de Souza e Silva, Embraer President, Commercial Aviation. “The high degree of commonality between the E175 and the E190 will bring new efficiencies and cost savings, as the airline modernizes its fleet.”The airline’s 100-seat EMBRAER 190 is configured in a single class. The aircraft will be used on Alitalia’s domestic and European network, out of seven airports: Rome Fiumicino, Milan Linate, Milan Malpensa, Turin, Venice, Naples, and Catania.Alitalia was one of the first E-Jet operators, when it took delivery of the EMBRAER 170 for its Express division, in 2004. The 20 new aircraft will progressively replace Alitalia’s existing fleet of regional aircraft, and play a key role in developing the carrier’s ability to provide nonstop flights to short and medium haul destinations, while ensuring higher efficiency, lower emissions, and top-quality service.