Embraer E190-E2 achieves first flight earlier than expected

The Embraer E190-E2 has achieved first flight in São José dos Campos, Brazil. The first flight test aircraft of the manufacturer’s next-generation E-Jet program flew May 23 in a markedly low-profile manner, taking to the skies without any advance notice. In contrast to the first flight, the E190-E2 rolled out in Brazil to much fanfare in February with media from around the world in attendance. The first flight had not been expected until the second half of the year. Embraer Commercial Aviation president and CE Paulo Cesar Silva said the Pratt & Whitney PW1900G-powered E190-E2 is expected to be certified 18 months after first flight. There will be 4 aircraft in the flight test program; the second flight test aircraft is expected to be rolled out imminently. <br/>