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Brazilian aircraft maker Embraer commemorated earlier this week the delivery of the first three units of the Embraer 175, the second jet in the 170/190 family.
Apart from marking a new model's entry into commercial operation, the event, which took place in the city of São José dos Campos, in the interior of the southeastern Brazilian state of São Paulo, had the taste of victory on enemy grounds.
This is due to the fact that the buyer of the airplanes is Air Canada, a Canadian company like the main Embraer competitor, Bombardier.
"The fact that Air Canada is flying the 175 shows that our product is better than the competitor's," said the president of Embraer, Maurício Botelho.
To him, the fact that the Canadian company is the company starting commercial operation of the new jet is very important.
"Air Canada is one of the leading companies in the world and is renowned for its quality. Having our aircraft in the company fleet is a reason for great joy," he declared.
Aerial Fight
Since 1996 Embraer and Bombardier have been fighting for the regional aviation market. The Brazilian company accuses the competitor of being benefited by Canadian government subsidies. The Canadian company has already made similar complaints against Embraer.
"The dispute continues due to the questionable support they receive from the government, while we work with the market force," stated Botelho.
The dispute has reached the World Trade Organization (WTO) with complaints by both Brazil and Canada. Both sides have won favorable decisions from the organization and have been given the right to retaliate. A final conclusion has not yet been reached.
Orders
The three Embraer 175 jets delivered this week are part of an order for 15 aircraft, to be completely fulfilled up to the end of the year. The aircraft in question, according to the company, have a special configuration with capacities for up to 73 passengers, being nine in the "Executive" class, more luxurious, and 64 in the "Hospitality Service", which is more popular. The model, however, may be configured for up to 86 passengers.
Apart from the 175 jets, Air Canada ordered 45 units of the Embraer 195, with 93 seats. The deliveries should begin in November this year. In all, the 170/190 family has 412 firm orders.
Anba - www.anba.com.br
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