Nordic Aviation Capital (NAC), the world’s largest regional aircraft leasing company, is the launch lessor of Embraer’s E-Jet Passenger to Freight (P2F) conversions. NAC and Embraer reached an agreement in principle for up to 10 conversions for E190F/E195F, with the first delivery starting in 2024. Aircraft for conversion will come from NAC’s existing E190/E195 fleet.
Embraer officially launched the conversion program in March. The OEM will do the conversions itself at its Sao Jose dos Campos facilities in Brazil. Norman C.T. Liu, President and CEO of Nordic Aviation Capital, said: “We look forward to working with Embraer on developing an operator base for the E-Jet Freighter as cargo conversions are a key element of our full life cycle portfolio strategy for the future.”
Arjan Meijer, President, and CEO of Embraer Commercial Aviation said: “It’s great to be doing business with NAC, who has always been a strong supporter of Embraer and regional aviation. Having launched the E190F and E195F very recently, today’s announcement with NAC is a strong indicator of the demand we are seeing for our E-Jet freight conversions.”
NAC is a natural customer for this move as they have a big E-Jet fleet. It is also a great way to get the older frames back to work if they are parked or coming off lease. Moreover, we think this size freighter offers a lot of attraction, particularly in the African market. As our colleague wrote here. There are other African airlines that would find this an attractive tool.
In the original PR (part of which is above the line) Johann Bordais, President & CEO, Embraer Services & Support noted these E-Jet freighters are “set to replace the more polluting narrowbody cargo aircraft heading into retirement.” How right he is. Our carbon model shows the E-190 produces nearly 7% less carbon than the E-175.