NW Upgrades Embraer Order for Advance Range Version

Embraer announced today at the Regional Airline Association convention it is extending its advanced range version, now available on the ERJ190/195, to its ERJ170/175 model. Its launch customer is Northwest which has already ordered 36 aircraft but will now take the 170/175AR when it is certificated in December 2008. The new version increases mean take off weight for improved range – 300 nm – offering up increased flexibility, said Bruce Peddle the recently appointed vice president-North America sales and marketing. Embraer is also devising a kit for current 170/175 customers to beef up the landing gear and wheel, a 45-pound increase in weight which provides for the improved range. For a complete report of Embraer’s market forecast see the May 28 edition of Regional Aviation News.