Embraer has reached a significant milestone with the E195-E2 program. The aircraft has been granted type certification in China. The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) has also granted certification to the smaller E190-E2 jet aircraft. Embraer sees significant demand for the aircraft in the Asia Pacific region. According to Embraer’s 20 year market outlook, the Asia Pacific market is expected to see revenue passenger-kilometers (RPKs) rates grow by 4.4%% over a 20 year period. Asian Airlines have already showed interest in the aircraft including Singapore Airlines low cost subsidiary Scoot, who already ordered nine E-190-E2 aircraft.
A Competitive Aircraft Segment
Embraer’s E190-E2 and E195-E2 aircraft fit into a small yet lucrative airline market. The aircraft fits between the size of a regional jet and a narrowbody airliner such as the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737. Airbus manufacturers the A220 series aircraft to fit this market niche. Embraer’s E2 family has seen sales from north American customer Porter Airlines. In Europe Binter Canarias, Helvetic Airways, KLM TUI and Wideroe have selected the E2 family of aircraft for short haul operations. The aircraft has also seen sales from Africa and the Middle East including orders from Royal Jordanian and Air Peace. Now with the certification approved by China’s CAAC, the possibility for orders from a Chinese airline may become a reality.