Aircraft

Brazilian manufacturer Embraer has scheduled a range of E-190 flight trials at London City Airport for 1 November with a view to securing steep approach certification for the type by late 2009.

Aircraft operating into London City Airport must perform a 5.5° approach, and manufacturers must demonstrate capability for an approach of up to 7.5°.

Embraer is planning to certify two of its four-member E-Jet family for London City operations. The E-170 secured its approval last summer and the larger variant was slated to follow suit by the first quarter of 2009 under plans which were detailed at a pre-Farnborough air show media briefing in June.

It appears that timelines for certification of the larger family member have slipped. Speaking at the European Regions Airline Association (ERA) General Assembly in the UK city of Manchester, Embraer senior VP for Europe, Middle East and Africa Luiz Fuchs said: "The Embraer 190 will be certified [for London City operations] by the end of next year, in the last quarter of 2009."

He adds that the type is scheduled to perform some trials at London City Airport on 1 November. These tests will include take-offs, landings and manoeuvring.