Embraer moved into Day Two of the Paris Air Show with a strong continued focus on the Urban Air Mobility market, via its subsidiary Eve Air Mobility, before digging into the commercial aircraft market with a future outlook and the announcement of several orders.
Urban Air Mobility orders
With this rapidly developing aviation sector quickly gathering momentum, Embraer certainly seem to be continuing and aggressive capitalisation on the fast-developing market.
Widerøe Zero
Firstly, Eve has extended an existing partnership with Widerøe Zero, who aim to launch eVTOL operations in Scandinavia with up to 50 aircraft. The partnership, solidified through a Letter of Intent (LOI), involves up to 50 eVTOLs, a service and operation solutions package, as well as the implementation of Eve’s Urban Air Traffic Management (Urban ATM) software solution.
Nordic Air Capital
Next up, Eve firmed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with Nordic Aviation Capital (NAC) a regional aircraft leasing firm promoting eVTOL aircraft.
NAC will acquire 15 firm plus 15 optional eVTOLs that will be leased to fleet operators, supporting the development and scaling of innovative transportation operations.
Voar Aviation
Voar Aviation, a general aviation service company, today signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) to evaluate the sale and purchase of 70 electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft to be operated in several locations of Brazil.
This potential eVTOL sale is now included in Eve’s current order backlog of up to 2,770 eVTOLs.
Commercial aircraft outlook
Speaking in a briefing this afternoon for the Brazilian aircraft manufacturer, Arjan Meijer laid out the commercial outlook and projections for Embraer.
In an overview of the market situation, Meijer noted that over the past 25 to 30 years, the manufacturer has accumulated over 2000 orders. Over 80 airlines now operate Embraer aircraft across 50 countries, with 1350 aircraft presently in active service.
In the regional market of up to 150 seat capacity, Embraer presently boasts 29% market share, having sold 270 E2s, and 1747 E1 aircraft.
Of the E1 jets, Meijer noted that the manufacturer will continue to build them “as long as there is demand there”. He goes on to note that there is strong interest amongst E1 customers to convert across to the E2 jet.
Going from the E1 to the E2, Meijer believes that this jet is the most efficient single aisle aircraft, with the lowest fuel burn, noise and emissions, lowest maintenance cost and the lightest. Meijer also emphasises the benefits of easy transition from the E1 to the E2 jet as well.
Fleet upgrades and retirements
Embraer predicts there are around 1,400 jets that will need to be retired over 10 years, highlighting where the demand to fill the gap is. Meijer believes the E1 will remain the most important in the portfolio for this reason.
Potential exists for 700 E2 aircraft that can replace current E1 jets, and Meijer also added that there are currently over 1,000 Airbus A319 and Boeing 737-700s that need to be replaced too. The crossover is much more capable at flying at a lower unit cost compared to its competitors, he notes.
On the matter of fleet upgrades, Meijer mentions that if airlines can get through the complexities of adding a new fleet type, the E190/E195-E2 fleet can be a pleasure to fly.
Pratt & Whitney engine issues
The ongoing issue with Pratt & Whitney engines reared its ugly head; in particular with the PW1900G model. Problems currently include LLP configuration, combustor degradation and off-idle stall.
In terms of rectification action to address maintenance and supply issues, Pratt & Whitney have said that they are increasing MRO performance as well as increasing capacity in the Columbus plant and opening up a new base in Poland.
Hybrid aircraft
The Energia Family commenced with four aircraft in the family. There will now be two Hybrid Electric aircraft entering into service in 2030, and then two Hydrogen Fuel Cell-powered aircraft for 2035 and beyond.
Meijer further announced an MoU with Republic Airways to add the Energia Family into their operations.
Looking towards 2050, the roadmap for sustainability for Embraer is the move to a 100%-powered E2, with the Energia family taking the manufacturer to 2040. For the following decade to 2050, the plan is for a 70-90 seater “H2” and then an E2H2 aircraft, in a push for hydrogen power.
Freighters
The theme then switched to E-Freighters, notably addressing the E190F & E195F, which were launched last year.
There is a huge focus on replacing the smaller and slower turboprops, which holds the potential to open new markets for Embraer.
The manufacturer believes that utilising the E1 will be the best option for the freighter market. The first aircraft arrived in February 2023, with this turning into first delivery by 2024.
Market Outlook for 2023 and beyond
In hard overall figures, 11,000 new deliveries will be needed worldwide between 2023-2042. 2,210 of this number are turboprops and 8,790 are jets.
The overall figure can be broken down into 43% being fleet growth and 57% being older aircraft replacement.
Whilst it was noted that Embraer currently holds a 29% market share for the regional market of up to 150 seat capacity, Embraer’s market research shows that there is a backlog of 1,096 aircraft needed, which represents the highest point in a decade.
Furthermore, this market segment is gaining momentum, which perhaps bodes well for Embraer’s fortunes moving beyond 2023.
Commercial sales
Closing out Day Two, Embraer announced the firming of several commercial aircraft deals.
Binter
First cab off the rank this afternoon was the announcement for Canary Island-based airline Binter. The airline has placed a firm order for six Embraer E195-E2 aircraft.
Binter is an existing operator of E195-E2 jets and today’s acquisition will bring their fleet order total to 16. At list price, the deal is valued at US$504.7, with deliveries commencing in the second half of 2024.
American Airlines
American Airlines signed a firm order with Embraer for seven new E175s. The aircraft are to be operated by American’s wholly owned subsidiary, Envoy Air.
With deliveries to begin Q4 2023, Envoy’s fleet of E-Jets will grow to over 141 aircraft by the end of 2024. The contract value is US$403.4 million at list price and will be included in Embraer’s 2023 Q2 backlog.
Azzora confirmed as undisclosed buyer
Embraer further revealed that in order announced in January 2023, with an undisclosed customer, for 15 E195-E2 – was placed by the leasing company Azorra.
Embraer confirmed Azorra’s order, which is valued at US$1.2 billion at list price and was added to the Q4 2022 backlog.
In the run up to the Paris Air Show, E2 momentum has continued with Embraer and Azorra announcing a number of key aircraft deals – six E2 for Royal Jordanian, nine E190-E2 for Scoot, and ten E195-E2 for SKS Airways.
Avolon
10 E195-E2s have been ordered by aircraft lessor Avolon, with the jets bound for Canada’s Porter Airlines, who have 50 on order.
Summary
Embraer digs into the commercial market on Day Two, laying out its cards for commercial growth in the 100-150 seat regional commuter market. In addition, the Brazilian manufacturer has picked up a generous draft of firm orders today.
In addition to its commercial complement, the manufacturer continues to make proactive inroads into the Urban Air Mobility sector via its subsidiary Eve.
