Embraer’s conversion of its E190 passenger aircraft to freighters is progressing well, marked by the recent successful completion of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) installation conformity process.
US Cargo Systems, a US aerospace company, announced on LinkedIn that it collaborated with Embraer to carry out this crucial certification step in May. “This pivotal achievement propels both Embraer and US Cargo Systems closer to the eagerly awaited entry into service of the E-Freighter program,” stated US Cargo Systems. They emphasized that this accomplishment reflects the dedication and collaboration between the two companies in revolutionizing the freighter aircraft industry. “The E190F is poised to set new standards in performance and efficiency, and this milestone marks a crucial step in delivering these advanced capabilities to our customers.”
The installation conformity process verifies that a component on an aircraft is configured according to the aircraft type design and operations and meets certification requirements.
North Carolina-based US Cargo Systems specializes in designing and engineering technology and components for military and commercial aerial delivery systems.
Embraer launched its program to convert E190 and E195 passenger aircraft to freighters in March 2022, in response to the e-commerce boom and increased demand for cargo capacity, particularly in smaller markets. When combining capacity under the floor and the main deck, the E190F offers a maximum structural payload of 13,500 kg, while the E195F can handle up to 14,300 kg.
Embraer announced in January that it plans to begin physical work on its first E195 freighter conversion next year. In April, the company’s first passenger-to-freighter E190F aircraft successfully completed its first test flight in São José dos Campos, Brazil.
These developments underscore Embraer’s commitment to meeting the evolving needs of the air cargo industry, particularly in the growing e-commerce sector.