Embraer is the most successful regional jet manufacturer in the world. The Brazilian company, which stands for Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica, was born after the first successful flight of the Bandeirante. The company was founded by Ozires Silva, a graduate of the famous Instituto Tecnico da Aeronautica (ITA) in Brazil. Fast-forward nearly sixty years, and Embraer aircraft fly daily worldwide, with its E-Jets having become the most popular regional jet in the world and its light and medium private aircraft dominating their respective markets.
A very brief introduction to the second-generation family of EJets
Following the success of the E-Jets like the E170, E175, E190, and E195, Embraer decided a newer and more efficient family of aircraft needed to be created. This brought about the creation of the E2 family, which currently includes the E190-E2 and E195-E2. The E2 program was launched in 2013 and included the E175-E2, but the Brazilian manufacturer halted the process because of the scope clause in the United States.
Photo: Embraer
According to Embraer, the E2 family has a 25.4% improvement in fuel efficiency per seat, up to 10% reduction in fuel burn compared to competitors, 16% lower fuel consumption, and up to 65% noise reduction.
“Whether it’s launching new routes cost-effectively, or matching capacity with demand in a changing operating environment, the right-sized E2 is the perfect aircraft for regional airlines, the world over.” – Embraer
The E195-E2 has been popular, but the Airbus A220 has proven a fierce competitor. Eight airlines operate the second-generation E195-E2, one of the most notable being Porter Airlines, which became the first airline in North America to operate the type and is constantly expanding its route network. Just yesterday, the airline announced its first flights to Los Angeles and San Francisco.
The big guns
Azul Linhas Aéreas, one of Brazil’s three major airlines, was the first to operate the type worldwide. The E195-E2 is replacing Azul’s E195s and rapidly becoming a popular aircraft among passengers because of its quieter engines, the Pratt & Whitney PW1900G GTF, and the installation of WiFi equipment. Today, Azul operates 16 E2s but has 50 on order and one listed under maintenance. The Brazilian airline received its first E2 in November 2019; its most recent delivery was in May.
KLM Cityhopper, KLM’s regional subsidiary, has 18 E2s listed as active, according to Ch-aviation. After not taking any deliveries from February to May, KLM received an E-2 on June 30, and its most recent deliveries were on August 12 and 25. KLM is deploying the E2s this week on routes like Warsaw, Vienna, Valencia, and Porto.
Photo: Wirestock Creators | Shutterstock
Porter Airlines’ fleet has grown rapidly, with the Canadian airline receiving five E2 in December 2022, now totaling 19, one in maintenance. Its E2 fleet has grown consistently throughout 2023, enabling the carrier to expand its route network across Canada and into the United States. Flights to the US West Coast are set to launch in January 2024, and Porter is also expanding to Florida.
The smaller operators
Binter Canarias, the Spanish carrier, has five E2s in its fleet. Three of the five were delivered in December 2019, shortly after the first delivery to Azul, and another two were added to its fleet in 2021.
Photo: Helvetic Airways
Swiss Airline Helvetic Airways has four active E2s, all delivered in less than two months, from June to August 2021. Air Peace also has four E2s in its fleet, delivered between December 2020 and December 2021, and one listed as under maintenance. TUI fly from Belgium has three active, delivered between December 2020 and May 2021.