Embraer takes off in China

Embraer has announced the sale of 50 ERJ 145s and 50 Embraer 190s to HNA Group, the fourth largest airline company in China.

The deal, worth $2.7bn at list prices, marks the first contract involving an E-Jet in mainland China.

Deliveries of the ERJ 145s will commence in September 2007. The 50-seat ERJ 145s will be produced by Embraer’s Chinese joint venture, Harbin Embraer Aircraft Industry (HEAI), in Harbin, Heilongjiang Province.

Deliveries of the Embraer 190s are planned to start in December 2007. The 106-seat Embraer 190, to be configured for single class service, will be manufactured in Brazil.

'We are delighted to make public this deal which confirms the correctness of our vision and Embraer's long-term strategy to become an important player in the Chinese market,’ said Maurício Botelho, Embraer Chairman, President and CEO.

‘The 50 ERJ 145s will help HNA Group build a strong regional aviation network – a solid foundation for its growth plans. At the same time, the debut of the Embraer 190 in mainland China is perfect for HNA Group’s expansion plans,’ continued Botelho.

'China and Brazil have joined forces and successfully produced the world-class ERJ 145 family jet aircraft for the Chinese market,’ added Mr. Zhang Hongbiao, President of China Aviation Industry Corporation II (AVIC II), Embraer’s partner in the HEAI joint venture. ‘The awarding of the order of 50 ERJ 145s by HNA Group will further secure the future success of the joint venture which, in turn, will strengthen the cooperation between China and Brazil in the aviation field.’