Embraer has begun training pilots for TRIP Linhas Aéreas to operate the airline's EMBRAER 175 jets. Delivery of the first aircraft is expected for the beginning of 2009. The contract, which was signed in June, included five firm orders and is worth US$ 167.5 million, at list price. TRIP also has options on another ten aircraft and purchase rights for 15 more, and the total sale could reach US$ 1 billion, if all options and purchase rights are confirmed. The deal arises out of TRIP's expansion plans.
The company's EMBRAER 175 jets will be configured in a single-class layout, with a pitch of 31 inches (79 cm), and offering its 86 passengers great comfort for a range of up to 2,000 nonstop miles (3,704 km).
On January 5, 2009, the airline's mechanics will begin taking part in the process. That same month, TRIP's pilots will head for Orlando, Florida, in the United States, to train on flight simulators. The program began on November 25, at Embraer's headquarters, in São José dos Campos, with training for flight attendants.
"We are very enthusiastic about the arrival of the EMBRAER 175 jets and the introduction of this model to Brazil's regional aviation market. These new aircraft are perfectly adequate for our business model and will revolutionize the industry, by bringing more quality and comfort to our passengers," explains Capt. Fernando Paes de Barros, TRIP's Director of Operations.
With 10 years of activity in Brazil, TRIP (www.voetrip.com.br) is now the largest regional airline company in the nation, as well as in South America, since it serves the most cities (65) and has the biggest fleet (21 aircraft), and is expected to carry one million passengers in 2008. The airline is controlled by the Caprioli and Águia Branca groups, both of which have long been in the business of transporting passengers and have a history of solid results and sustained growth.
In August of this year, the airline formed a partnership with SkyWest Inc., from the U.S., which is the holding company for SkyWest Airlines and Atlantic Southeast Airlines (ASA). Together, they have the biggest regional aviation operations in the world. The business expects to make investments in three phases, for a total of US$ 30 million, by February 2010, when SkyWest Inc. could hold up to 20% of TRIP's capital.
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