Aircraft News - Latin America / Caribbean.

For more global news, data, analysis and features, please go to: http://www.AirGuideOnline.com/professional.htm Sep 25, 2006

Embraer

Embraer 175 received US FAA type certification, paving the way for deliveries and service in the US. It previously was certified by aviation authorities in Brazil, Canada and Europe. The first US customer, Republic Airways, has firm orders for 30 of the 86-seat 175s, which will be operated on behalf of US Airways. Twenty will replace existing 50-seat aircraft currently operated for US Airways while the remaining 10 will replace other retiring aircraft or be used for growth in 2008. Sep 21, 2006

Gol

Gol opened its R$30.5 million ($14.1 million) Aircraft Maintenance Center in Confins Friday and said the facility will allow it to stop using third-party maintenance providers. Annual cost reductions from performing its own maintenance are expected to be $2 million, with further revenue generated by performing maintenance for other airlines. "In a moment of expansion, Gol will reduce its aircraft expenses and obtain another source of future revenues," Technical VP David Barioni said. It will operate a fleet of 62 737s by year end, an increase of 20 from the end of last year. Sep 18, 2006