Brasília, March 16, 2004 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - The New York Times reported today the sale of 16 Embraer airplanes to Republic Airways, an American company that has 500 flights daily to 26 American states, Canada, and the Bahamas.

The transaction involves aircraft with ERJ-145 engines and seats for 50 passengers. The deal will cost US$ 320 million. Embraer should deliver the jets in stages, beginning in May and ending no later than September, 2005.

Republic Airways currently operates with another 85 airplanes produced by Embraer, which is nowadays considered the world's fourth largest airplane manufacturer. (DAS)