SÃO JOSÉ DOS CAMPOS, Brazil – Embraer’s E-Jet program has entered the ranks of the world’s three largest commercial jet families with the delivery of its 2,000th aircraft, the company said Wednesday.

The E-Jet family is behind only the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 families in terms of aircraft delivered. The milestone aircraft, an E195-E2, was delivered to Azul Linhas Aéreas, Brazil’s largest airline by number of destinations served.

Since entering service in 2004, the E-Jets family has established a global presence, serving more than 90 airlines worldwide. The fleet has accumulated about 48 million flight hours and carried more than 2.85 billion passengers worldwide.

“The delivery of the 2,000th E-Jet is an extraordinary milestone for Embraer and for the global aviation transport industry,” Arjan Meijer, president and CEO of Embraer Commercial Aviation, said in a statement.

“As one of the world’s three most successful commercial jet programs, the E-Jets family has played a vital role in connecting communities, opening new markets, and creating sustainable growth opportunities for airlines,” Meijer added.

Azul has operated more than 140 E-Jets since beginning operations in 2008 and was the launch customer for the E195-E2, taking delivery of its first aircraft in 2019.

The 2,000th E-Jet also marks Azul’s 50th E2 aircraft, Embraer said.

The E-Jet family comprises the first-generation E170, E175, E190 and E195, as well as the second-generation E190-E2 and E195-E2.

The program has enabled Embraer to expand beyond its traditional regional aviation market and establish a strong position in the global small narrowbody segment.