LONDON – Embraer has signed a firm order for up to 10 Embraer E-Jets Passenger to Freight (P2F) conversions with an undisclosed customer.
Aircraft for conversion will come from the customer’s current E-Jets fleet, with deliveries starting in 2024. This is the first firm contract for Embraer’s P2F, being the second agreement for this kind of operation.
In May, Embraer and Nordic Aviation Capital (NAC) announced an agreement in principle to take up to 10 conversion slots for E190F/E195F.
Embraer’s E-Jets P2F conversions deliver segment-leading performance and economics. The E-Jets Freighters will have over 50% more volume capacity, three times the range of large cargo turboprops, and up to 30% lower operating costs than narrowbodies.
There is unprecedented demand for airfreight, especially for same day deliveries and decentralised operations; the perfect mission for E-Jet sized freighters. Embraer’s P2F solution with ideal revenue earning extension opportunities for our earlier E-Jet models. They set to replace the more polluting narrowbody cargo aircraft heading into retirement
said Johann Bordais, President & CEO, Embraer Services & Support.
With more than 1,600 E-Jets delivered by Embraer globally, P2F customers benefit from a well-established, mature, global services network, in addition to a comprehensive portfolio of products ready to support their operations from day one.
The earlier E-Jets that entered service around 10-15 years ago are now emerging from long-term leases and beginning their replacement cycle, continuing over the coming decade.
The full cargo conversion will extend the life of the most mature E-Jets by another 10 to 15 years. It will encourage their replacement with more efficient, more sustainable, and quieter aircraft.
The full freighter conversion is available for all pre-owned E190 and E195 aircraft. Entry into service expected in early 2024. Embraer sees a market for this size of airplane of approximately 700 aircraft over next 20 years.
E-Jet Freighters
The conversion to freighter will be performed at Embraer’s facilities in Brazil and includes main deck front cargo door; cargo handling system; floor reinforcement; Rigid Cargo Barrier (RCB) – 9G Barrier with access door; cargo smoke detection system (class E main deck cargo compartment), Air Management System changes (cooling, pressurization, etc.); interior removal and provisions for hazardous material transportation.
Combining under-floor bulk cargo and main deck, the maximum gross structural payload is 13,150kg for the E190F and 14,300kg for the E195F.
Considering typical e-commerce cargo density, the net weights and volumes are also impressive: the E190F can handle a payload of 23,600lb (10,700kg) while the E195F a payload of 27,100 lb (12,300 kg).
The range and payload capacity of the E195F is similar to the B737-300SF (nearly 2,500 nm). The E195F burns less fuel, generates fewer emissions, and has lower maintenance and cash operating costs.
Load Configuration of E-Jet Freighters will bring new volumes to the cargo market. The E190F will take 7 ULD’s on main deck +under floor. It’s equivalent of 102.8 m3 (3632 ft2).
The bigger E195F will take 8 ULD’s on main deck +under floor. It will be equivalent of 118.1 m3 (4171 ft2). Cargo airlines can now put right-capacity E190F and E195F freighters on the right routes with the right frequency and right economics.
