Embraer has confirmed that delivery of the first E190-E2 to Widerøe, the aircraft’s launch operator, will take place in April 2018.

Widerøe, the largest regional airline in Scandinavia, will begin revenue service with the aircraft shortly afterwards.

“Since the program was launched, the first half of 2018 has been our target, and now we are making good on this commitment. This was only possible thanks to the excellence of our engineering process due to our unique experience in certifying 12 new aircraft in the last 17 years,” said John Slattery, President & CEO, Embraer Commercial Aviation. “From the beginning the E2 program has been, and remains on time, on budget and better than the initial specification. We’ll deliver to the market a mature and robust aircraft.”

Widerøe signed a contract with Embraer for up to 15 E2 jets consisting of three firm orders for the E190-E2, the first member of the second generation of the E-Jets family, and purchase rights for 12 further E2s. The order has a potential list price value of up to $873 million, with all orders being exercised. The airline is configuring the E190-E2s in a single-class layout with 114 seats.

Stein Nilsen, Chief Executive Officer of Widerøe, said, “We have been working very closely with Embraer teams in order to guarantee a very smooth Entry Into Service. We are eager for the coming months, when we will intensify the familiarization with the aircraft, with immersion training for the technical teams, ground handling, flight operations and cabin attendants.”