Air Transport

Delivery to launch customer JetBlue delayed as Embraer awaits US FAA approval for 100-seat airliner

Embraer’s E-190 100-seat airliner has been certificated by Brazil’s civil aviation regulator, CTA, but first deliveries to launch customer JetBlue Airways have been delayed to mid-September.

The US Federal Aviation Administration has yet to issue its own type certificate, but the Brazilian manufacturer says approval is expected “soon”. The US low-cost airline plans to begin scheduled services about six weeks after receiving its first aircraft, tentatively on 1 November.

JetBlue expects to receive eight aircraft this year, but has yet to reveal the routes it will operate with the type.

The E-190 certification campaign involved five pre-series E-190s and about 1,800 flight-test hours. European and Canadian type certification is expected to follow US approval.

Meanwhile, CAE’s E-190 full flight simulator (FFS) has been awarded an interim Level C operational qualification from the US FAA, clearing the way for the start of regular cockpit crew training.

Installed at JetBlue’s training centre at Florida’s Orlando airport, the simulator is scheduled to receive Level D certification next year, says the Canadian manufacturer.

The certification campaign for the E-190 racked up about 1,800 flight-test hours on five pre-series aircraft