Embraer 190, the third member of a family of new-generation commercial jets specifically designed for the untapped 70- to 110-seat market, made its maiden flight at March 12, 2004, according to the announcement of Embraer. The first flight marked the beginning of the Embraer 190`s flight test campaign, which will be conducted at Gaviao Peixoto, in the interior of Sao Paulo state.

The Embraer 190, serial number 0001, took off from the company`s Sao Jose dos Campos facility at 10.30 am (local time). In its 2.45-hour mission, the new aircraft successfully performed a range of systems validation tests and started the expansion of its flight envelope.

We are thoroughly satisfied with the memorable completion of the Embraer 190`s maiden flight, which set a new milestone in this highly challenging program, said Mauricio Botelho, Embraer`s President and CEO. Once in serial production, the Embraer 190, a world class product, will meet and exceed the most demanding requirements of the air transport industry.

Conclusion of the flight test campaign will validate the new aircraft, which can be configured for between 98 and 108 passengers, to receive type certification in the third quarter of 2005. This will immediately be followed by the first deliveries to launch customer JetBlue Airways of the U.S.