Embraer’s First E-Jet Converted Cargo Aircraft Takes Flight

Embraer’s first E190F, a converted passenger-to-freighter aircraft has successfully completed its first flight from São José dos Campos, Brazil.  The aircraft was flown for approximately two hours, with the team carrying out a complete evaluation.

Embraer's First E-190F Passenger-to-Freighter (P2F) Aircraft Takes Flight at São José dos Campos, Brazil on Friday, April 5, 2024 - Courtesy Embraer

On Friday (April 5, 2024), Embraer announced the debut of their first E190F, a converted passenger-to-freighter aircraft.  From São José dos Campos, Brazil, the Embraer team conducted a test flight lasting approximately two hours, carrying out a complete evaluation of the aircraft.  Additional testing will be completed before delivery to Regional One, a U.S. based aircraft leasing company.  The inaugural flight is part of a series of evaluations that Embraer will conduct before the E-Freighter enters into operation.  The aircraft has already successfully completed ground pressurization and cargo loading tests.

In Friday’s announcement, Embraer’s President and CEO, Francisco Gomes Neto, said,

“The E-Freighter program opens a new business opportunity for Embraer, meeting e-commerce’s growing global demand for cargo transport and matching the high-tech E-Jets family to an unbeatable operational performance.  We are very pleased with E190F’s and E195F’s fast progress during the testing period. These jets will be important tools for our customers and allow them to work with more agile and decentralized deliveries.”

Embraer's First E-190F Passenger-to-Freighter (P2F) Aircraft Takes Flight at São José dos Campos, Brazil on Friday, April 5, 2024 - Courtesy Embraer

Converted E-Jet Freighters will have 50 percent more volume capacity and three times the range as large cargo turboprop aircraft, while delivering an operating cost reduction of up to 30 percent compared to other narrowbody freighters.  When combining main deck and hold space, the E190F offers a maximum structural payload of 13,500kg, increasing to 14,300kg for the E195F.  Launched in 2022, the E190F/E195F Passenger-to-Freighter (P2F) program has involved over 40 suppliers and more than 600 employees, who have dedicated more than 500,000 hours to the E-Freighter.  

Source: Embraer