Alexandre Rocha
São Paulo – The United Arab Emirates are interested in purchasing airplanes made by Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer. On Thursday (08) afternoon, sheikh Sultan Bin Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, second crown prince in the Emirates and president of the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, met São Paulo state governor Geraldo Alckmin, when he mentioned the possibility. "They are interested, and we were also interested in supporting their visit to Embraer, due to the possibility of company airplane sales. He (Al Nahyan) went to Embraer yesterday (07)", said state economic and planning secretary Andrea Calabi, who participated in the meeting.
According to the secretary, the sheikh and members of his party discussed the possibility of purchasing not only commercial, but also military aircraft. In the commercial aircraft area, Calabi said that Nahyan and his party "mentioned" the possibility of purchasing units of the Embraer 190, part of a new company family of regional jets.
The airplane has a capacity for up to 108 passengers and should have its maiden flight this year. First aircraft delivery is scheduled for 2005. "These are the planes that are of greatest interest to them," stated the secretary. When contacted by ANBA, an Embraer spokesperson said the company would not comment on the subject.
