The Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer announced it has signed a preliminary agreement with Gulf Air, headquartered in Bahrain. The contract provides for two Embraer 170 jets to be used by the Arab airline, by operating lease. It was signed during the Bahrain International Air Show, which will continue until the 23rd in Sakhir.
A definitive contract is yet to be signed. The aircraft that will be used by Gulf Air are configured in two classes, with seven executive class seats and 60 economy class ones, according to the Brazilian company. Delivery may take place before the end of this quarter.
According to the economic information website AMEinfo, the agreement provides for the aircraft to be leased for three years, with the possibility of renewal for another five years.
The website adds that from now on, the Arab country is going to conduct an in-depth review of all existing regional jets in the market in order to choose the one best suited to the expansion of its fleet. That includes aircraft made by Embraer, the Canadian Bombardier and the European Airbus.
Gulf Air was founded in 1950, and is one of the oldest airlines in the Middle East. The national carrier is owned by the Kingdom of Bahrain, through Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company. It serves over 40 destinations, worldwide, with a fleet of more than 30 aircraft.
The EMBRAER 170/190 family of E-Jets consists of four commercial jets with 70 to 122 seats. They have a maximum cruising speed of Mach 0.82, can fly at 41,000 feet (12,497 meters), and have ranges of up to 2,400 nautical miles (4,448 km).
