Embraer revealed on its social networks that it received the first E190 jet at its headquarters in São José dos Campos which will be converted into a freighter, through the P2F (“passenger to freight”) program.
Announced in March 2022, the first generation E-Jets conversion program into cargo aircraft includes the E190 and E195 models.
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Modifications include a front side door for access to ULD standard containers and the transformation of the passenger cabin into a cargo space, in addition to the installation of smoke detectors and changes in the air generation system, among other items.
After the changes, the planes will receive the designations E190F and E195F.
According to the manufacturer, the E190F is designed to carry a payload of 10.7 tons with a range of 3,723 km. The E195F carries up to 12.3 tons and will have a range of 3,000 km.
Embraer hopes to fill a niche that currently has no competitors, with capacity and range superior to cargo turboprops such as the ATR 72-600F, but at lower costs than the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 converted for cargo.
The first customer of the P2F program will be Kenyan airline Astral Aviation, which has signed a memorandum of understanding with Nordic Aviation Capital (NAC) to lease the converted aircraft.
As per an agreement announced in May 2022, NAC has up to 10 E-Jets conversion positions, with the first deliveries starting in 2024.
In addition to the NAC, Embraer closed a second agreement for the conversion of another ten E190/E195, but the identity of the customer has not yet been revealed.
