Embraer’s E190F cargo aircraft, known as the E-Freighter, has been fully certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
The Brazilian aircraft manufacturer announced that both its passenger-to-freighter conversion and the Cargo Loading System, developed by U.S. Cargo Systems, received FAA certification in September 2024.
This certification follows approval from Brazil’s National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) in July, with European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) certification expected later this year.
Embraer developed the E-Freighter to address a gap in the air cargo market and replace older, less efficient models.
The E190F program was launched in May 2022 in response to changing demands in e-commerce and modern trade, which require faster deliveries to regional markets.
Martyn Holmes, Chief Commercial Officer of Embraer Commercial Aviation, highlighted the significance of the FAA certification.
“FAA certification is an important milestone in our passenger-to-freighter conversion program,” Mr Holmes said.
He added that the E-Freighter aims to meet the growing global demand for faster deliveries to all regions, not just metropolitan areas.
The E-Freighter offers several advantages over existing cargo aircraft. Embraer claims the converted E-Jets will have over 40% more volume capacity, three times the range of large cargo turboprops, and up to 30% lower operating costs than larger narrowbody freighters.
The E190F has a maximum structural payload of 13,500 kg when combining capacity under the floor and on the main deck.
The aircraft made its debut flight in April and was first publicly displayed at the Farnborough Airshow in July.
This certification marks Embraer’s entry into the dedicated freighter market, leveraging its existing E-Jet footprint across the United States and worldwide to offer new cargo solutions.