The first E190F, a converted jet from passenger transport to freighter (E-Freighter), has successfully completed its first flight today in São José dos Campos, Brazil.
The Embraer team carried out a thorough evaluation of the aircraft during the two-hour flight, and the aircraft will continue testing before being operational. The jet belongs to Regional One, a leasing company from the United States.
Embraer is conducting a series of evaluations before the E-Freighter jets enter into operation. One of the successful tests was the ground pressurization and cargo loading tests. E-Jets converted to freighters will have more volume capacity, longer range, and lower operating costs than narrowbodies.
Embraer E-Freighter is designed to offer 50% more volume, resulting in a higher payload capacity of 13,500 kg (29,700 lbs) for the E190F and 14,300 kg (31,500 lbs) for the E195F. Additionally, it boasts a range three times bigger than that of large cargo turboprops. The operating costs of this aircraft are claimed to be 30% more cost-effective than a narrowbody. The E190F and E190F were designed to bridge the gap between existing turboprops and narrowbodies.
Launched in 2022, the E190F and E195F Passenger to Freight Conversions (P2F) program involved a global network of more than 40 suppliers and more than 600 employees that dedicated more than half a million hours to the E-Freighter.
“The E-Freighter program opens a new business opportunity for Embraer, meeting e-commerce’s growing global demand for cargo transport and matching the high-tech E-Jets family to an unbeatable operational performance,” says Francisco Gomes Neto, President and CEO of Embraer. “We are very pleased with E190F’s and E195F’s fast progress during the testing period. These jets will be important tools for our customers and allow them to work with more agile and decentralized deliveries.”
Embraer’s E-Freighters are revolutionizing the cargo industry with their impressive cargo capacity and cost-effectiveness. The E-190 and E-195, once passenger jets have been converted into freighters at the manufacturer’s facility in Sao Jose dos Campos. The conversion process included equipping the jets with a main deck front cargo door and a cargo handling system, reinforcing the floors, and adapting them for hazardous material transportation.
But the benefits of converting former jets to freighters go beyond just increased cargo performance. With the aviation industry moving towards more sustainable options, Embraer’s E-Freighters are an excellent example of repurposing older jets and making room for greener alternatives. As airlines around the world replace their aging fleets, retrofitting aircraft, and developing hybrid or all-electric versions, it’s essential to consider the environmental impact. By finding new uses for older jets, manufacturers can help address this problem while also meeting the demand for cargo transport.
