Embraer E170

Embraer E170
Name	Embraer E170
Type	Regional jet
Manufacturer	Embraer
Status	In service

Embraer E170 is a twin-engine, narrow-body regional jet produced by Embraer as part of the E-Jet family. The E170 entered service to serve regional routes and feeder networks, competing with aircraft from Bombardier Aerospace, Boeing Commercial Airplanes, and Airbus. Operators have used the E170 on short- to medium-haul routes linking hubs such as Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, John F. Kennedy International Airport, Heathrow Airport, and São Paulo–Guarulhos International Airport.

Development

The E170 was developed by Embraer during a period when regional aviation demand grew in markets served by carriers like Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, American Airlines, and Lufthansa Regional. Program milestones included collaboration with suppliers such as Rolls-Royce for engines and Honeywell International for avionics, reflecting partnerships common in projects like the Boeing 737 Next Generation and Airbus A320 family. Certification efforts involved authorities including the National Civil Aviation Agency of Brazil and the Federal Aviation Administration, following precedents set by projects such as the McDonnell Douglas MD-80 and Fokker 70 certification processes.

Design

The E170 features a two-by-two seating layout similar to regional types like the Fokker 100 and Bombardier CRJ700, offering cabin characteristics that appealed to carriers operating alongside widebodies such as the Boeing 777 and the Airbus A330. Structural design drew on materials and techniques used by manufacturers including Dassault Aviation and ATR (company), while aerodynamic refinements paralleled developments seen in the Comac C919 program. Flight deck systems integrated equipment from suppliers known for work on the Lockheed C-130 Hercules and Gulfstream G550, leveraging avionics heritage comparable to installations in the Embraer E-Jets E2 derivatives.

Variants

The E170 spawned family members and competitors mirroring the diversification seen in models like the Airbus A220 and Bombardier Dash 8 series. Variants were configured to meet requirements from regional subsidiaries such as Brussels Airlines and KLM Cityhopper, and international operators including Japan Airlines and Qatar Airways regional affiliates. The E170’s adaptability reflected practices established by legacy programs like the Boeing 717 and the Saab 340.

Operational history

Airlines deployed the E170 on networks connecting hubs like Toronto Pearson International Airport, Frankfurt Airport, Dubai International Airport, and Changi Airport. The aircraft supported operations for carriers including Southwest Airlines codeshares, Air France regional operations, and LATAM Airlines feeder services, often replacing older types such as the BAe 146 and McDonnell Douglas MD-87. Operational experience influenced fleet decisions at groups like Ryanair’s subsidiaries and conglomerates such as IAG (airline group), reflecting shifts comparable to fleet renewals undertaken by Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific.

Operators

Major operators historically included regional divisions of carriers like Delta Connection, United Express, American Eagle, and international operators such as Korean Air affiliates, Avianca regional arms, and Aeroméxico Connect. Leasing firms such as Avolon and Air Lease Corporation facilitated placement with regional carriers and subsidiaries of groups like Globalia and TUI Group. Government and corporate operators occasionally paralleled usage patterns of types operated by entities like Royal Flight and state-owned carriers including Air Canada Jazz’s predecessors.

Specifications

Typical specifications aligned the E170 with competitors including the Bombardier CRJ900 and smaller members of the Airbus A320neo family. Performance metrics drawn from operational data compared to aircraft such as the Embraer ERJ 145 and Fokker 70 included range suitable for trans-regional sectors and payloads matching regional demand seen on routes served by Iberia Express and Vueling. Systems and components shared supplier lineages with installations found on the Boeing 787 and Embraer Lineage 1000 in areas such as cabin pressurization and environmental control.

Accidents and incidents

The E170’s safety record has been analyzed alongside records of types like the Bombardier CRJ200 and the Embraer 190, with investigations sometimes involving agencies such as the National Transportation Safety Board and authorities like the Brazilian Air Force’s civil aviation counterparts. Incident responses referenced procedures similar to those applied after events involving the Air France Flight 358 and Asiana Airlines Flight 214, and operator policies drew upon standards promoted by organizations like the International Air Transport Association and the International Civil Aviation Organization.

Category:Embraer aircraft