CFS 2022: Embraer selects CLS for E-Jet freighter, solidifies order
This story was originally published in Cargo Facts on Oct. 21, 2022
Brazil-based Embraer has selected U.S. Cargo Systems to provide the cargo loading system (CLS) for its Embraer E190/E195 conversion program.
U.S. Cargo Systems told Cargo Facts that it will manufacture the CLS for the Embraer E190/E195 freighters at its North Carolina facility before transferring them to Embraer for installation during the conversion process.
Embraer told Cargo Facts that it had initiated the CLS search around the second half of 2021, selecting U.S. Cargo Systems based on a combination of factors, including weight, performance and price.
The prototype for the new regional freighter will be developed by 2023, with a supplemental type certificate (STC) from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to follow, U.S. Cargo Systems added.
The STC will be incorporated into the service bulletin that Embraer will use to license its freighter conversions.
Meanwhile, Nordic Aviation Capital (NAC) has finalized its order for ten E190/E195 conversion slots, with deliveries expected in 2024.
The first two conversions will be E190Fs, which will ultimately be placed with Astral Aviation. The carrier told Cargo Facts the aircraft will be the 2011-vintage ex-Air Astra units 19000418 and 19000431. The E190Fs will be based at Astral’s Nairobi (NBO) hub and will be able to operate with 12 tons of payload, covering about twenty routes in Astral’s intra-Africa network, the carrier added.
NAC is the second customer for the E-Jet freighter program and that it expects to induct the conformity aircraft for an undisclosed customer in 2023, Embraer told Cargo Facts.
The Brazilian aircraft manufacturer originally announced that it had secured its first customer for the new E190F/E195F regional freighter conversion program in June.
Learn more about Cargo Facts Symposium 2023 and register today to take advantage of our early-bird sale.
