The E190F, Embraer’s first E-Jet converted into a freighter, was awarded type certification by ANAC, Brazil’s civil aviation agency.
The information was revealed by the manufacturer at the Farnborough Airshow where the only converted aircraft is on display.
According to Embraer, approvals by the FAA and EASA, the regulatory authorities in the United States and Europe, should occur in 2024.
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The company is also hoping for Cargo Loading System certification soon after.
Approval by ANAC took place within a short period of time. The E190F only made its maiden flight at the end of April and the certification process took around three months.
To convert old passenger jets into freighters, Embraer installs a side cargo door in the front portion of the fuselage, removes the cabin’s oxygen supply system as well as other items and reinforces the deck floor, among other modifications.
Gap between turboprops and narrow-body jets
With a capacity of up to 13.5 tons, the E190F aims to fill a gap between cargo turboprops like the ATR 72F and narrow-body jets converted to cargo like the Boeing 737-800BCF.
Embraer says the E190F carries 40% more cargo than turboprops, with three times more range. Operating costs are 30% lower than larger jets.
The main niche proposed by the company is express orders, which has experienced enormous growth since the Covid-19 pandemic.
“The E-Freighter marks Embraer´s first step into the cargo market. After celebrating the first flight in April, it’s a further boost to receive type certification for our newest program now. The aircraft has been very well received this week by potential customers seeing our E-Freighter for the first time in Farnborough,” said Arjan Meijer, President and CEO, Embraer Commercial Aviation.
Despite the executive’s optimism, the E190F and its bigger brother, the E195F, have had few order announcements so far.
The launch customer for the E-Freighters, as Embraer calls them, is Regional One, the company that owns the only converted E190F so far and that received it in Florida, before the aircraft arrived in the United Kingdom.
