American Airlines has unveiled its special ‘America250’ commemorative aircraft, but its choice of plane has raised eyebrows across the aviation world. The carrier has chosen a Brazilian-built regional jet to display its patriotic livery, a decision that may seem confusing coming from an airline with over 500 US-made Boeing planes in its fleet.

The Embraer E175 was unveiled at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) on Wednesday in a ceremony attended by American CEO Robert Isom and US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy. As a high-frequency regional jet, American reasons that the 76-seater plane will be seen by far more passengers across more airports than a mainline widebody ever could.

American Airlines Showcases America250 Embraer E175

Credit: American Airlines

The America250 E175, registered N341MB, features red, white and blue lettering spelling out “250” along the sides of the brand-new jet, which was delivered to operator Envoy Air on March 27. Data from Flightradar24 shows the aircraft was flown to DFW on April 24 to undergo its new paint scheme. It won’t be long until passengers get their first glimpse, as N341MB will be operating American’s inaugural flight from Miami International Airport (MIA) to Caracas’ Simón Bolívar International Airport (CCS) today (April 30).

The E175 — featuring a dual-class layout with 12 First Class seats and 64 in the Main Cabin — is operated by Envoy Air under the American Eagle brand, and is set to fly across American’s wider network as a tribute to both the nation’s 250-year history and the airline’s own centennial year. Founded in April 1926, American’s centenary celebrations coincide with the United States celebrating 250 years of independence. American CEO Isom commented,

“As we celebrate our centennial, it’s especially meaningful to unveil an aircraft that honors our country’s 250th anniversary and the shared story of progress, perseverance and innovation that defines both America and our airline.”

Why A Brazilian Jet For An American Livery?

Credit: American Airlines

A US airline with one of the world’s largest Boeing fleets selecting an aircraft built in Brazil for its patriotic America250 livery reveal has certainly raised eyebrows, but the decision is more defensible than it first appears. Firstly, the E175 is one of the busiest aircraft in American’s fleet, typically operating five, six or seven sectors on any given day, maximizing its exposure at airports.

Regional jets also often fly to smaller and mid-sized American communities, showcasing the livery to a wider audience. The aircraft and its special livery will receive immediate international exposure during American’s high-profile Miami-Caracas launch. This daily service represents the first time in seven years that any US carrier has flown to Caracas, and the three-hour route will be flown exclusively by American’s E175s.

It should be noted that, while the airframe is Brazilian, the jet’s two GE CF34 engines are American-made. Additionally, this E175 will not be the only aircraft in American’s fleet to get a celebratory livery. The carrier has confirmed that a Boeing 737 from its mainline fleet will also receive the America250 design.

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Who Else Is Getting An America250 Livery?

Credit: Southwest Airlines

American is not alone in partaking in this year’s semiquincentennial celebrations, as one of four major carriers to commit to an official America250 livery. Alaska Airlines, Southwest Airlines and United Airlines will also be flying their versions this year — Southwest has already unveiled its design, and the famously all-Boeing 737 airline only had one plane family to choose from. However, the airline does operate multiple variants within the 737 family, and opted for a 737 MAX 8 bearing the symbolic registration N1776R.

Alaska and United have both confirmed their participation but have not revealed any further details on their plans. Meanwhile, American will be painting one of its own Boeing 737s as part of its two-aircraft commitment. It isn’t known if American’s chosen 737 will feature the same design on the E175, or if the carrier has a new design planned. As part of its centennial celebrations, American has already unveiled a retro “Flagship” livery on one of its Boeing 777-300ER, as well as a separate centennial livery on a Boeing 737-800.