Company Watch - Embraer.

For more company news, data and analysis, please go to: http://www.airguideonline.com/professional.htm Aug 21, 2006

AeroRepublica signed a lease agreement with GECAS for two Embraer 190s for delivery next year. The carrier now has commitments for seven of the type, plus options and purchase rights for an additional 20 through 2011. Aug 16, 2006

Embraer CEO Mauricio Botelho said that while many of the initial issues for 190 launch customer JetBlue Airways have been resolved, "not all of the problems are cleared up but what we are seeing in the reliability and dispatchability have been improved." Even so, he said JetBlue's delivery schedule remains on target: "We are moving as planned." Aug 15, 2006

Embraer reported net income of $139.1 million for the second quarter, a 67.7% increase over the $82.9 million earned during the same period a year ago. Net sales for the three months to June 30 were $1.02 billion compared to $812.4 million in the year-ago quarter. The company reported a firm order backlog valued at $10.2 billion, a little more than 12% of which represented executive aviation business. Aug 15, 2006

Embraer, the Brazilian manufacturer delivered 36 jets during the quarter comprising 30 commercial aircraft, five Legacy 600s and one 190 for government use. During the same period a year ago it delivered 30 aircraft. At the end of the quarter, the 170/190 order book totaled 455 firm and 442 options. CEO Mauricio Botelho said he expects the major share of 2006 deliveries to take place in the second half. "I do expect significant good news in the future," he said, confirming speculation that the company is negotiating with Varig for 190s. Aug 15, 2006