FARNBOROUGH, U.K — Irish regional aircraft lessor Nordic Aviation Capital (NAC) has signed a memorandum of understanding to place the first two E190F passenger-to-freight conversions with Nairobi-based African freighter operator Astral Aviation.
In May 2022, NAC and the Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer reached an agreement in principle to take up to ten conversion slots for E190F/E195F, with the first deliveries starting in 2024. The aircraft for conversion will come from NAC's existing E190/E195 fleet.
"We are honored to be the launch operator of the Embraer 190F, which will be based in Astral's Nairobi hub. It will operate on a combination of scheduled and charter flights on our intra-African network. The E-Jets are well known for their efficiency, flexibility, and sustainability. We are confident that the E-Jet freighter platform will be a game-changing addition to our growing fleet. We are grateful to NAC and Embraer for choosing Astral to be the launch operator of the E-Jet Freighter," Sanjeev Gadhia, Founder & CEO Astral Aviation, said.
"As a launch lessor for the E-Jet freighter conversion program, we are pleased to have executed an MoU to place two E190F aircraft with Astral Aviation, a leading cargo carrier servicing Africa. NAC aims to remain the leader in regional aviation and expand into larger narrow-body aircraft while building our full life cycle asset management capabilities."
Johann Bordais, President & CEO, Embraer Services & Support, said,
"The response to Embraer's P2F program, which was launched only in March of this year, has been incredible. NAC has already placed their first two aircraft, and it's great to welcome yet another operator to our E-Jet family."
