Embraer is progressing in its E-Jet freighter conversion program that was launched last year, the Brazilian airframer noted during a recent media day presentation in New York. Intended to breathe new life into aging E190 and E195 regional jets as they come off lease, as well as provide the OEM with a niche entry into the growing passenger-to-freighter market, the manufacturer expects the conversions to add more than a decade of additional use.
The program recently reached a milestone, with the fitting of a cargo door to an E190 for the first time. Arjan Meijer, president and CEO of Embraer’s commercial aircraft division, stated that the program will start with the E190: “We believe that’s the biggest feedstock that is out there in the market; there were many more 190s built than 195s.”
While the E195 conversions will follow, Meijer stated that there is still a lot of demand in the market for the larger 100- to 124-seat E195 narrowbody, with operators currently preferring to hold on to them longer.
Meijer sees the E-Freighters—with a cargo capacity of up to 20 tons—filling the gap between turboprops and large standard-bodied aircraft such as the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320. “Based on the customer interaction that we have, we really believe that this is going to be an interesting gap and we’re looking forward to announcing customers there soon as well,” he said. “We’re now looking to our first flight and certification in 2024.”