The success of the ERJ 145, launched in 1996, had heralded a new phase for Embraer. Next, seeking to meet the needs of its customers, Embraer identified a market demand for jets for up to 40 passengers for low-density routes, and so, still in 1996, it started the ERJ 135 project (EMB 135 at the time), based on the "family" concept, which would officially be launched in 1998.

At that time, research unveiled the need for jets with the capacity for 44 seats, and at the end of 1999, Embraer began to develop a new jet in the same family—the ERJ 140. The maiden flight of the aircraft took place on June 27, 2000. In September 2000, American Eagle became the first ERJ 140 customer, and deliveries of the aircraft started in August 2001, after obtaining the Type Certificate from the Brazilian and North American authorities.

In 2009, more than 1,100 aircraft based on this platform are flying under many different colors on all continents.

For more information about Embraer's commercial jets, visit:
Embraer Commercial Jets - ERJ 140