Brazil’s Embraer to sell up to 17 planes to new Chinese airline

Brazilian aerospace manufacturer Embraer SA has signed an agreement with Chinese carrier Colorful Guizhou Airlines to supply it with as many as 17 jet aircraft, Embraer said in a statement on Monday.

The deal includes seven confirmed orders – with the first aircraft (an E190 model) to be delivered to the Chinese carrier this year. There is an option for a further 10 aircraft.

The estimated value of the deal, including the 10 optional units, totals US$834 million.

The statement said Colorful Guizhou is the fifth Chinese airline flying Embraer’s E-Jets. The airline, based in southwest China’s Guizhou province, is a new, low-cost, carrier that plans to launch its services this year.

Last month Embraer reached an agreement with Chinese regional carrier Tianjin Airlines to sell it 22 aircraft in a deal worth US$1.1 billion.

The two aerospace orders come at a time when China and Brazil are strengthening their relations. Chinese Premier Li Keqiang visited the South American nation last month, aiming to enhance bilateral co-operation in sectors including railways, energy and aviation.