British Airways takes delivery of the first aircraft in its new regional fleet today (September 3) at the Embraer headquarters in São José dos Campos, Brazil.

Peter Simpson, managing director of BA CityFlyer, the wholly owned British Airways subsidiary company which will operate the new aircraft, will officially receive the 76-seat Embraer 170 aircraft on behalf of the airline.

Firm orders have been placed for six Embraer 170 and five Embraer 190SR efficiency jets, known as E-jets, with options for three more in an investment worth US$376 million, based on current list prices.

The first 98-seat Embraer 190SR aircraft will be delivered in March and the whole new fleet will be in operation by Autumn 2010, replacing the current fleet of nine Avro RJ100 and two RJ85 aircraft operated by BA CityFlyer.

The Embraer 170 will enter service on September 28, flying between London City and Edinburgh and Amsterdam.

Subsequent aircraft delivered this year will operate to Frankfurt, Madrid and Zurich.

The new generation fuel efficient aircraft will offer passengers unrivalled levels of space and comfort on board and will fly exclusively from London City Airport, to Scotland and Europe.

The new aircraft are greener and more fuel efficient with significantly lower carbon dioxide emissions.

For the first time all passengers will have the choice of an aisle or window seat with four-abreast seating and generous leg room and overhead storage space.

Peter Simpson said: “Today marks a significant milestone for us as we completely modernise our aircraft fleet, replacing 40-year-old technology with state-of-the-art greener aircraft which deliver a 56 per cent reduction in emissions. The technology also gives us the future option of being able to fly further afield than we are currently able to do.

“There are new levels of comfort for our passengers as well and for the first time they are guaranteed either a window or aisle seat in the spacious cabin.”