British Airways orders Embraer E-Jets

British Airways has placed firm orders on Embraer for eleven fuel efficient E-Jets, comprised of six Embraer 170 and five Embraer 190SR jets, with options for an additional three 190SR jets. The Embraer 170s will be powered by General Electric CF34-8C5 engines and the 190SRs will be powered by CF34-10E5 engines.

The airline's wholly owned subsidiary BA CityFlyer, which operates from London City airport, is expected to take delivery of the first of its new aircraft, in September 2009.

The contract value of the E-Jets firm orders is US$ 376.5 million, at list price, and could reach US$ 489 million, if all options are confirmed.

The E-Jets will replace the current fleet of 10 Avro RJ100 and two RJ85 aircraft operated by BA CityFlyer. The fuel efficiency of the new E-Jets over the the current RJ fleet appears to have been a key consideration, with the Embraer 170 being 56% more fuel efficient and the 190SR being 28% more efficient.

The Embraer 190SRs and Embraer 170s will operate on routes from London City Airport to Scotland, Ireland and Europe.

The 170 will be configured with 76 seats, and the 190SR with 98 seats. Both will have a single-class layout with 4 abreast seating, benefiting from the 'double-bubble' fuselage design which offers more personal space for passengers, and affords BA CityFlyer, the marketing pitch of not having a middle seat.

Due to its very short runway and the high levels of noise restrictions, London City, is considered a very demanding airport, by aircraft manufacturers.

The 170 obtained steep approach certification to operate at London City Airport in June 2007. The 190SR is currently undergoing a series of engineering evaluation tests and expects to receive its steep approach certification by the end of 2009.

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