Embraer will mature its E-Jets E2 programme to the point where newly-delivered aircraft will achieve 99% schedule reliability during the first year in service, the company's head of services and support Johann Bordais tells FlightGlobal.

The 99% figure is a commitment to customers, the company says – one that comes as other new aircraft programmes have faced notable delays.

"Within the first 12 months of operation, we want to guarantee a 99% schedule reliability," says Bordais during the MRO Americas conference in Orlando on 26 April. "I don't think there is any aircraft manufacturer that has done this with a programme."

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"We want to stand by our product – on the availability, on the operational cost – on day one," Bordais adds.

Embraer clarifies that the 99% figure is a target, not a contractual obligation.

"Ninety-nine percent is the average of the first year of operation, which means [rates] can start below this number and grow throughout the year," the company says.

Bordais says Embraer is "committed" to achieving the goal as a means "be different" and to distinguish its E-2 as the programme shifts from testing to scheduled service.

Embraer launched the E2 programme at the Paris air show in 2013, and achieved first flight of the E190-E2 in May 2016, ahead of schedule.

Four test E190-E2s have completed 650h of flight time, and the first E190-E2 remains on schedule for delivery to launch customerWideroein the first half of 2018, Bordais says.

Embraer insists, however, it will not deliver aircraft early. The company will use all available time to mature the programme, it says.

As Embraer moves forward, other companies have faced delays.

In January,Mitsubishi Heavy Industriesannounced that delivery of its first MRJ90 would be delayed a further two years until mid-2020 – the fifth time Mitsubishi delayed its timeline since 2008.

Meanwhile, engine makerPratt & Whitneyhas faced delays in manufacturing its geared turbofans, slowing deliveries of Bombardier CSeries and Airbus A320neo aircraft.

P&W's geared turbofans also power E2s, but the Embraer programme's later timeline has, for now, shielded Embraer from similar engine order backlogs.