In May of 2022, NAC and Embraer reached an agreement in principle to take up to 10 conversions; this order is now confirmed. The aircraft for conversion will come from NAC’s existing E190/E195 fleet. In July of 2022, NAC signed a memorandum of understanding to place their first two E190F passenger-to-freight conversions with Astral Aviation, based in Nairobi, Kenya. Embraer’s E-Jets P2F conversions deliver segment-leading performance and economics. The E-Jets 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. 

With more than 1,700 E-Jets delivered by Embraer globally, P2F customers benefit from a well-established, mature, global services network, in addition to a comprehensive portfolio of products ready to support their operations from day one. 

The conversion to freighter will be performed at Embraer’s facilities in Brazil and includes 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 main deck, the maximum gross structural payload is 13,150kg for the E190F and 14,300kg for the E195F. Considering typical e-commerce cargo density, the net weights and volumes are also impressive: the E190F can handle a payload of 23,600lb (10,700kg) while the E195F a payload of 27,100lb (12,300 kg).