Embraer and Nordic Aviation Capital have signed a contract for up to 10 conversion slots for the E190F/E195F. The agreement for the conversions was signed in May 2022. The aircraft for conversion will come from NAC’s existing E190/E195 fleet, with deliveries starting in 2024.
In July of 2022, NAC signed a memorandum of understanding to place the first two E190F passenger-to-freight conversions with Astral Aviation, based in Nairobi, Kenya.
The conversion to freighter will be performed at Embraer’s facilities in Brazil and includes a main deck front cargo door; cargo handling system; floor reinforcement; Rigid Cargo Barrier (RCB) – 9G Barrier with access door; cargo smoke detection system (class E main deck cargo compartment), Air Management System changes (cooling, air circulation, etc.); interior removal and provisions for hazardous material transportation.
Combining under-floor bulk cargo and the main deck, the maximum gross structural payload is 13,150kg for the E190F and 14,300kg for the E195F. According to Embraer, the E-Jet Freighters will have over 50% more volume capacity, three times the range of large cargo turboprops, and up to 30% lower operating costs than narrowbodies.