Embraer E-Jet family

Embraer E-Jet family
source
Name	Embraer E-Jet family
Caption	An Embraer 190 operated by LOT Polish Airlines
National origin	Brazil
Manufacturer	Embraer
First flight	19 February 2002 (Embraer 170)
Introduction	17 March 2004 with LOT Polish Airlines
Status	In service
Primary users	Republic Airways, SkyWest Airlines, Envoy Air, Azul Brazilian Airlines
Produced	2001–present
Number built	Over 1,600 (all variants)
Unit cost	E175: US$51.0 million (2018), E190-E2: US$61.6 million (2022)
Developed from	Embraer ERJ 145 family
Variants with their own articles	Embraer E-Jet E2 family

Embraer E-Jet family is a series of narrow-body, twin-engine, medium-range regional jets designed and manufactured by the Brazilian aerospace conglomerate Embraer. Launched to compete in the emerging market for larger regional aircraft, the family has become a mainstay for airlines worldwide, bridging the gap between traditional regional jets and larger mainline aircraft like the Airbus A320 family and Boeing 737. The program has evolved through two major generations, with the original E1 series followed by the technologically advanced Embraer E-Jet E2 family.

Development and background

The genesis of the program stemmed from Embraer's strategic analysis in the late 1990s, identifying a market niche for aircraft larger than its successful Embraer ERJ 145 family but smaller than the Boeing 717. The project, initially designated **EMB-170**, was officially launched at the Paris Air Show in 1999 with a key launch order from Crossair of Switzerland. Development was a significant undertaking for Embraer, involving a global supply chain with major partners like Kawasaki Heavy Industries and risk-sharing revenue agreements. The first prototype of the initial variant, the Embraer 170, conducted its maiden flight from São José dos Campos in 2002, with LOT Polish Airlines becoming the launch operator in 2004 following a rigorous certification campaign with ANAC, the Federal Aviation Administration, and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency.

Design and variants

The aircraft feature a conventional design with two underwing-mounted Pratt & Whitney PW1000G geared turbofan engines on the E2 series, while the E1 series uses General Electric CF34 engines. The family employs a double-bubble fuselage cross-section for increased cabin volume and a distinctive four-abreast seating layout in a 2+2 configuration, eliminating the less desirable middle seat common in competitors like the Bombardier CRJ. The original E1 series comprises four main variants: the Embraer 170 (70-78 seats), the Embraer 175 (76-88 seats), the Embraer 190 (96-114 seats), and the Embraer 195 (108-124 seats). The second-generation Embraer E-Jet E2 family, launched in 2013, includes the Embraer 175-E2, Embraer 190-E2, and Embraer 195-E2, featuring new aerodynamics, advanced avionics from Collins Aerospace, and significant improvements in fuel efficiency and maintenance costs.

Operational history

Entering service with LOT Polish Airlines in 2004, the family quickly gained acceptance. A major breakthrough came in 2005 when JetBlue Airways placed a landmark order for 100 Embraer 190 aircraft, marking a significant entry into the North American market. The aircraft have been deployed in diverse roles, from high-frequency shuttle services by Republic Airways for major carriers like American Eagle and United Express, to long, thin routes for airlines such as KLM Cityhopper and Royal Jordanian. The type has also seen military and government service, including with the Brazilian Air Force as the Embraer VC-2. While the fleet has maintained a strong safety record, notable incidents include the crash of Air Moorea Flight 1121 in 2007 and a runway overrun involving Republic Airways Flight 6230 at LaGuardia Airport.

Specifications (E2 series)

The Embraer E-Jet E2 family represents the current production standard. The Embraer 190-E2 typically seats 106 passengers in a two-class layout and is powered by two Pratt & Whitney PW1900G engines. It has a wingspan of 33.72 meters, a length of 36.24 meters, and a maximum take-off weight of 56,400 kg. The variant offers a maximum range of approximately 5,280 kilometers (2,850 nautical miles) and a cruise speed of Mach 0.82. Compared to the original Embraer 190, the E2 version provides a 17.3% reduction in fuel consumption per seat and features the proprietary Embraer fly-by-wire system for flight controls.

Operators and market

The family is operated by a vast global network of carriers, with major operators including U.S. regional airlines Republic Airways, SkyWest Airlines, and Envoy Air, which fly them under contracts for American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines. Other significant operators are Azul Brazilian Airlines, Air Canada's regional partners, and Binter Canarias. The aircraft's primary market competitors have historically included the Bombardier CRJ series and the Bombardier CSeries, now the Airbus A220. The strategic partnership formed in 2018, which saw Boeing take a controlling stake in Embraer's commercial division (a deal later terminated in 2020), underscored the program's significant value in the global aerospace industry.