Embraer Announces First Flight Of E190-E2

Embraer on Monday announced the first flight of the next generation E190-E2 narrow-body aircraft, months ahead of schedule and below the expected weight.

The E190-E2, which enters service in 2018, is the first aircraft in Embraer's commercial jet line-up with new wings and Pratt & Whitney engines aimed at improving fuel efficiency.

"We are about four or five months ahead of schedule with this flight," said Paulo Cesar Silva, head of commercial aviation at Embraer. "The plane flew marvelously well, showing real maturity."

The prototype weighed in "a bit below" its projected weight, said Senior Vice President Luis Carlos Affonso, a rare feat at a phase when plane makers are often battling to shave weight.

The first flight lasted more than three hours, while the prototype tested its maximum velocity and altitude, the executives said.

Embraer is also expanding the size and range of its largest commercial jet, the E195, whose next generation enters service in 2019, posing a direct challenge to the Bombardier CSeries.