Kun Peng Orders ERJ 190

We now know from whom Kun Peng will be sourcing its aircraft, after it was revealed it told 44 percent stakeholder Mesa Air Group that it would need more than the five CRJ 200s already placed with the airline by the U.S. regional airline company; a move which prompted MAG to try to sell off its share. Related Story Kun Peng Airlines Co, Ltd, and Embraer announced at Farnborough the acquisition of five firm Embraer ERJ 190s, fulfilling Embraer’s intimations that it will make greater headway into the burgeoning Chinese market despite the development of a home grown regional jet in the ARJ 21. Related Story
The total value of this agreement is $187.5 million, at list price. The new ERJ190 of the Chinese airline will be configured with 98 seats in a dual-class layout, with first delivery scheduled for 2008.
"We are much honored to have Kun Peng Airlines as our new E-Jets family customer," said Mauro Kern, Embraer executive vice president, airline market. "We have always been confident in China's regional aviation market expansion, and this is an extremely positive sign in that direction. I firmly believe that our customer-friendly ERJ 190 will make a strong contribution to Kun Peng Airlines' growth plans and will please Chinese passengers."
Headquartered in Xi'an City, Kun Peng Airlines is a joint venture between China's Shen Zhen Airline and the Mesa Air Group, from the United States, with the Chinese company holding the larger share. Since its start-up in September 2007, Kun Peng already has more than 20 routes in operation.
"Introducing the ERJ 190 jet fits our company's strategy perfectly, and we believe it will definitely benefit both of us, Kun Peng and Embraer, in our long-term cooperation," said Mr. Zhang Pei, general manager of Kun Peng Airlines. "Kun Peng Airlines is dedicated to building itself into the most sizable, characteristic, and competitive regional airline in China, to promote the development of the Chinese regional aviation industry, and to contribute to China's harmonious civil aviation progress."