As the demand for narrow-body aircraft for air cargo transportation continues to rise, Embraer, the renowned Brazilian aircraft manufacturer, has shared exclusive images of the conversion process of the first E190 into a freighter.
The jet is being modified at the company’s facilities in São José dos Campos, Brazil, as part of the P2F (Passenger to Freighter) program announced in March 2022. This program aims to breathe new life into over 400 E190 and E195 aircraft in operation worldwide, many of which have served for more than a decade.
One of the most notable aspects of this project is the flexibility it offers to customers. Both the E190 and E195 models can be modified to cater to various cargo requirements. The E190F, for instance, will have the capacity to carry up to eight main deck cargo units (ULDs), along with additional cargo space in the lower holds, enabling a maximum payload of around 15 tons.
The larger E195F takes this capability a step further, with the potential to accommodate up to nine ULDs on the main deck and a maximum cargo capacity of approximately 17 tons. Anticipated for service in 2024, the first E190 freighter conversion signifies a promising future for the cargo aviation sector.
Embraer has provided further insights into the conversion process with images shared on their social networks. These images reveal the meticulous transformation of the passenger E190 into the E190F freighter. Notable modifications include the replacement of a portion of the front fuselage to accommodate a cargo door, the conversion of the passenger cabin into cargo space with a reinforced floor, and the installation of essential safety features like smoke detectors.
In terms of performance, the E190F boasts a range of 3,723 km (2,010 nautical miles) with maximum payload and 4,500 km (2,430 nautical miles) with maximum volumetric load. Its larger counterpart, the E195F, offers a range of 3,000 km (1,620 nautical miles) with maximum payload and 3,945 km (2,130 nautical miles) with maximum bulky payloads.
Embraer aims to fill a crucial niche in the cargo aviation market, offering greater capacity and range than cargo turboprops like the ATR 72-600F, while maintaining lower operational costs compared to cargo conversions of Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 aircraft.
The first customer to embrace this innovative P2F (Passenger to Freighter) program is Astral Aviation, the Kenyan cargo airline. They have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Nordic Aviation Capital (NAC) to lease converted E190F aircraft. NAC, having secured up to 10 E-Jets conversion positions, will commence deliveries in 2024.
Furthermore, Embraer has sealed another agreement to convert an additional ten E190/E195 aircraft, although the identity of this second customer remains undisclosed.
