Embraer Will Fly Fourth E190-E2 Very Soon

Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer is preparing to add the fourth and final test aircraft to its E190-E2 program, which has now accumulated 241 flight hours.

“We are ahead of schedule, on specification and on budget. The program is going well,” Embraer Commercial Aviation VP-Europe and Middle East Arjan Meijer said at the European Regions Airline Association General Assembly in Madrid.

The Embraer E190-E2 flew for the first time on May 23, months ahead of schedule, and was joined by a second prototype on July 8. The third aircraft took to the skies Aug. 27.

“Number four is quite progressed and will soon be added to the flight test program. It will be fitted with a full interior,” Meijer said. Embraer has previously stated the fourth aircraft would fly by early 2017.

The E190-E2 remains on track to enter service in the first half of 2018. The next variant to go airborne will be the E195-E2, which is scheduled to fly in the second half of 2017. The final family member, the E175-E2, is scheduled to enter service in 2020.

Embraer has accumulated 270 firm orders for the E2 and is aiming to exceed 300 this year.