ETA Star Group Orders Seven Embraer 170 Jets

Released on Wednesday, May 21, 2008

S�o José dos Campos, May 21, 2008 � Embraer signed a contract for the sale of seven EMBRAER 170 jets to ETA Star Group, of Dubai, with options for three more, and five purchase rights for any E-Jet model. The aircraft will be operated by the newly-created Star Aviation Pvt Ltd., of India. The deal, at list price, comes to US$ 220.5 million, and could total US$ 472.5 million, if all options and purchase rights are confirmed for the EMBRAER 170.

"We are enthusiastic about being chosen by this new E-Jet customer to support their operations in the rapidly expanding Indian market," says Mauro Kern, Embraer Executive Vice President, Airline Market. "I'm confident that the EMBRAER 170 will help the start-up Star Aviation to successfully execute its business plan, opening new routes, linking mediumsize cities with outstanding passenger service levels and highly competitive economics."

Based in the city of Chennai, south India, Star Aviation will use the Embraer aircraft to operate regional routes on the Indian subcontinent, serving medium and low density markets. Deliveries of the aircraft will begin in 2009.

"ETA Star is very happy to be associated with Embraer, introducing brand-new and the latest fly-by-wire aircraft with optimum comfort for the passengers, including In-Flight-Entertainment and full on-board meal service," said Mr. Dorairaj, Director of ETA Star.

The aircraft will be configured to comfortably seat 76 passengers in a single-class layout and will have In-Flight Entertainment (IFE) with individual video monitors in each seat.