Embraer trialling new aircraft at London City

Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer (website: www.embraer.com) has scheduled a number of flight trials for its new E-190 aircraft at London City Airport, Air Transport Intelligence reports.

The bustling gateway, located next to the Canary Wharf business district, has been selected as it is regarded as an ideal place for Embraer to secure steep approach certification. That is because all inbound flights to the airport must perform a 5.5 degree approach, with manufacturers legally required to demonstrate up to 7.5 degree capability.

Embraer is seeking to have two of its four-member E-Jet family certified for use at London City. One of its models, the E-170, received approval from the gateway last summer.

Speaking at the European Regions Airline Association (ERA) General Assembly in Manchester, Embraer spokesman Luiz Fuchs revealed: "The Embraer 190 will be certified [for London City operations] by the end of next year, in the last quarter of 2009." Trials including take-offs, landings and manoeuvring will take place at the airport all day on Saturday November 1.

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