Embraer Completes First Flight of E-Freighter Jet

April 23, 2024

Embraer has completed the first flight of its first passenger E-jet converted to its new air cargo carrying variant, the E-190F, pictured here. (Image: Embraer)

The first E190F, a converted jet from passenger transport to freighter (E-Freighter), recently completed its first flight in São José dos Campos, Brazil. The Embraer team flew the E-Freighter jet for around two hours, carrying out a complete evaluation of the aircraft, which will continue testing before entering operation. The aircraft belongs to Regional One, a leasing company from the United States.

Launched in 2022, the E190F and E195F Passenger to Freight Conversions (P2F) program involved a global network of more than 40 suppliers to convert the passenger versions of Embraer's E-jets into air cargo carrying aircraft. The conversion involves the addition of a 9G rigid cargo barrier, reinforced floor, cargo loading system and a new door for loading cargo into the body of the aircraft. The E190F has a volume of 3,632 cubic feet, while the larger E195F's interior is 4,171 cubic feet.

If combining capacity under the floor and main deck, the maximum structural payload is 13,500 kg for the E190F and 14,300 kg for the E195F.

The E-190F completed its first flight at Embraer’s facility in São José dos Campos, Brazil. (Image: Embraer)

“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,” Francisco Gomes Neto, President and CEO of Embraer, said in an April 5 press release. “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.”

The first flight is part of a series of evaluations that Embraer is conducting before the E-Freighter jets enter into operation. The aircraft has already been successful in both ground pressurization and cargo loading tests.

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