LONDON – Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer and Nordic Aviation Capital (NAC), a global leader in regional aircraft leasing, have signed a contract for up to 10 freighter conversion slots for the E190F/E195F, with deliveries starting in 2024.
In May of 2022, NAC and Embraer reached an agreement in principle to take up to 10 conversions; this order has now been confirmed. The aircraft for the freighter conversion will be drawn from NAC’s existing Embraer E190/E195 fleet.
In July of 2022, NAC signed a memorandum of understanding to place their first two E190F passenger-to-freight conversions with Astral Aviation, based in Nairobi, Kenya.
The E-Jet Passenger to Freight (P2F) conversion
Embraer’s E-Jets P2F conversions deliver segment-leading performance and economics. The E-Jets Freighters will effectively have over 50% more volume capacity – or three times the range of large cargo turboprops – and they offer up to 30% lower operating costs than narrowbodies.
With more than 1,700 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 conversion to freighter will be performed at Embraer’s facilities in Brazil. The conversion from a standard passenger configuration to a goods freighter includes the installation of a main deck front cargo door. A cargo handling system is installed and floor reinforcement is effected to withstand the cargo load.
Safety equipment fitted includes a Rigid Cargo Barrier (RCB) – 9G Barrier with access door, and cargo smoke detection system (class E main deck cargo compartment).
The aircraft’s Air Management System is altered (cooling, air circulation, etc.), as well as interior removal and provisions to allow the transportation of dangerous goods and hazardous material.
E-Jet P2F payload
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 27,100lb (12,300 kg).
Summary
The decision to enter the passenger to freight P2F market with the E-Jet range appears to have been a canny decision on behalf of the Brazilian aircraft manufacturer.
Effectively, Embraer saw an opportunity to fill a gap in the air freighter market – between the turboprop equipped freighters and the heavier, widebody fleets. The E190 and E195 airframes fill this market gap admirably, especially given the growth in demand for the e-commerce and air freight market.
The superior uplift capacity, coupled with the aircraft’s efficient operating costs will undoubtedly make these E-Jet conversions a popular market choice for Embraer.
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