TAME Linea Aerea del Ecuador, the state-run Ecuadorian airline, and Embraer announced at a press conference in Quito yesterday the signing of a Letter of Intent for the acquisition of seven EMBRAER 170/190 family aircraft.
Under the agreement, TAME will acquire two EMBRAER 170 LR, configured for 70 passengers, and one EMBRAER 190, configured for 98 passengers. The other four aircraft are options.
The Letter of Intent was signed by Jorge Cabezas Quiroz, CEO of the airline, and Romualdo Monteiro de Barros, Embraer Executive Vice-President.
Sergio Abreu e Lima Florencio, the Brazilian Ambassador to Ecuador, and Lieutenant General Hernan Ayala, president of TAME’s board of directors, witnessed the signing.
TAME’s CEO Jorge Cabezas Quiroz remarked that the signing of the document marked the start of legal proceedings that the airline must follow before it contracts the aircraft.
TAME is seen as a pivotal part of the government’s efforts at Ecuadorian integration. The airline is currently renewing its fleet.
“Embraer is very proud and pleased that TAME has distinguished us with its preference for our airplanes, allowing us to participate and extend our cooperation to its objective of national integration.
“The jets of the new EMBRAER 170/190 family will be converted into one of the principal elements for supporting the plans and missions of TAME,” said Mauricio Botelho, Embraer President and CEO.
Mr. Botelho added: “The relationship between Ecuador and Embraer is a long-term one, and the first step has been taken. We continue working in partnership with the government and the Ecuadorian Air Force to consummate and expand this cooperation by supplying our modern military planes, which are part of a variety of products from Embraer on offer in the global market.”
Among these products is the Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft based on the ERJ 145 platform.
The EMB 145 RS/AGS (Remote Sensing/Air-to-Ground Surveillance) is in operation with the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) in the Amazon Surveillance Program (SIVAM).
The EMB 145 MP (Maritime Patrol) is in operation with the Mexican Air Force. The EMB 145 AEW&C (Airborne Early Warning and Control) will shortly enter into service with the Greek Air Force.
Recently, the U.S. Army awarded Lockheed Martin a contract to provide the new generation of Multi Intel systems, based on Embraer’s ERJ 145 platform.
Another product deserving special mention is Embraer’s multi-purpose Super Tucano, an aircraft for military training and tactical support specially designed for operation in the particular, peculiar conditions of the Amazon Forest.
Brazil’s FAB (Air Force) has incorporated the Super Tucano into the SIVAM program.
The new EMBRAER 170/190 family of next-generation aircraft, aimed at the 70-to-110 passenger range, has won over global markets for its operating efficiency, low acquisition and operation costs, as well as its high level of security and cabin comfort.
PRNewswire