Production of parts to build the prototype and test airframes began in July 2000. The first prototype (PP-XJE) rolled out on October 29, 2001 at São José dos Campos, Brazil. Its first flight occurred 119 days later on February 19, 2002, marking the beginning of a multi-year flight test campaign. The aircraft was displayed to the public in May 2002 at the Regional Airline Association convention. Full production began in 2002, at a new factory built by Embraer at its São José dos Campos base.