Northwest Airlines Launch Customer for Embraer 175 AR Jet

Released on Tuesday, May 22, 2007

S�o José dos Campos, May 22, 2007 � Embraer has launched the new Advanced Range (AR) versions of the EMBRAER 170 and the EMBRAER 175 aircraft of its four-model E-Jets family.

These new versions are designed to meet current and potential customer requirements for increased range and operating flexibility. Northwest Airlines is the launch customer for the EMBRAER 175 AR. Their first ten aircraft will be the Long Range (LR) version and, later, will be retrofitted to the AR version. The remaining 26 jets of the airline's firm order will incorporate the AR structural provisions from the assembly line.

"We are very proud to be the launch customer of the EMBRAER 175 AR version and to offer this benefit to Northwest travelers," said Dan McDonald, Northwest's Vice President of Finance and Fleet Planning. "The EMBRAER 175 aircraft provides a comfortable and efficient flight experience. The AR version will allow us to reach additional markets, thus improving operational flexibility and revenue potential."

"We at Embraer are constantly analyzing our customers' needs and requirements, and the new AR versions of the EMBRAER 170 and EMBRAER 175 are the result of those analyses," said Mauro Kern, Embraer's Executive Vice President, Airline Market. "Airlines that need extra range to increase their flexibility in terms of flight offerings and market coverage find these aircraft to be attractive solutions for their mainline needs."

The AR versions incorporate structural reinforcements that allow the aircraft to be operated at takeoff, landing and zero fuel weights above the current maximum values. This means an average additional range of 300 nautical miles (556 km) and a payload increase of more than 1,543 lb (700 kg), depending on the aircraft model, airline's specific operating conditions and configuration.

The new versions are expected to be certified by December 2008. Embraer will offer retrofit kits to interested existing operators.