Brazilian based aircraft producer, Embraer has achieved type certification for its E195-E2 jet.The three regulation agencies who certified the jet, includes Brazil, Europe and the United States. The aircraft is the largest commercial aircraft produced by a Brazilian company, says Embraer president of commercial aircraft John Slattery. The E195-2 is powered by 2 Pratt & Whitney PW1900 engines, the aircraft can carry up to 146 passengers in a single-class configuration and has range up to 2,600nm (4,820km), according to Embraer. The aircraft also has fly-by-wire technology, a new wing design and landing gear. Azul Airlines is expected to take delivery of the first E195-2 later in 2019.

Embraer and Boeing continue to progress toward closing proposed joint ventures, with a top executive describing the regulatory approval process as time-consuming but on track. The companies have said that by the end of the year they expect to close the deal where Boeing will acquire 80% of Embraer’s commercial aircraft division and 49% of Embraer’s KC-390 heavy-lift military aircraft programme. “Everybody wants to get this transaction done by the end of the year… I’m hopeful that process will go as expeditiously as possible,” Embraer’s president of commercial aircraft John Slattery says. “We are not seeing any negative surprises. It’s just a big body of work.”

USA based airline, United Airlines is seeking authority to begin seasonal service to Cape Town, South Africa, from its Newark hub in December. The Star Alliance carrier is planning to operate thrice-weekly service with a Boeing 787-9 through the end of March 2020, it said on the 15th of April 2019. The route is undergoing approval processes from the US Department of Transportation."We are always looking at ways to expand our industry-leading international route network to offer our customers more convenient options," says Patrick Quayle, vice-president of international network at Chicago-based United. "We're thrilled to announce the addition of Africa to our global route offering."