1st E190F takes to the skies
On 5 April 2024, the first into freighter converted Embraer E190 took to the skies from the manufacturer's site at São José dos Campos. The first flight was around two hours long after which the aircraft safely landed. It was carried out by E190 N986TA (19000360), which is owned by leasing company Regional One.
Embraer announced the conversion programme in March 2022, joining the post-pandemic freighter boom. They are positioning the E190F and E195F as an aircraft to fit in the gap between the ATR72F and Boeing B737-800F.
As a freighter, the E190/E195s feature a strengthened floor and a large cargo door. The E190F can carry six ULD containers, the longer E195F seven. It has a projected range of up to 3,889 km for the E195F and 4,442 for the E190F.
Embraer expects certification to be completed in the coming months, with deliveries also scheduled to start this year. So far, Embraer has signed two contracts for a total of 20 conversions of E190/E195s.
Photo by Embraer.