LONDON – Following its departure from the Farnborough Airshow, Embraer’s latest aircraft, the E195-E2, made its debut landing at London City Airport (LCY). The E195-2 officially becomes the largest aircraft to land at the iconic City Airport.

The arrival also demonstrated the aircraft’s steep approach capability, and was made in anticipation of the aircraft’s certification for steep approach operations.

Met with the traditional water cannon salute, today’s operation by the E195-E2 included ground handling tests and other preparations for the aircraft’s first scheduled flight into LCY, which is expected shortly after certification.

Today’s visit further highlights the importance Embraer places on being able to offer LCY capability to airlines with the E195-E2, after the E190-E2 began operations into LCY in September 2021. T

The airport plays a key role in London’s wider connectivity, and Embraer aircraft equally have played an intrinsic role in the management of the challenges that LCY operations present.

Embraer aircraft account for 85% of all LCY operations on routes as diverse as Edinburgh and Mykonos.

Management Statements

Alison FitzGerald, Chief Operation Officer at London City Airport,said:

“The arrival of the E195-E2 signals that we are on the cusp of welcoming more new generation aircraft that provide world class environmental performance, carry more passengers, and have the potential to connect this airport with more global markets.”

“This moment also represents the strength of the partnership we have with Embraer, and together, we are pushing the envelope of what’s possible at this airport, as at 146 seats and a wingspan of 35 metres, it will be comfortably the largest aircraft to operate from LCY.”

“While the immediate focus is certification, we are hopeful that we will see the first E195-E2 in operation next year with KLM which will be real cause of celebration.”

Arjan Meijer, President and CEO Embraer Commercial Aviation, said:

“London City feels like home for Embraer. It’s a great airport, not just because it’s fast and efficient for passengers to travel through, but because its unique challenges as an airfield demonstrate the excellent performance of our E-Jets.”

“We are immensely proud to be the dominant aircraft brand at LCY, and look forward to seeing scheduled services begin with the E195-E2.”  

About the E195-E2

The E2 is the most efficient single aisle aircraft flying today, saving up to 25% carbon dioxide emissions compared to previous generation aircraft. Over 30% lower CO2 emission per seat versus jets of current generation operating at the airport.

In early July, Embraer and Pratt & Whitney successfully tested a E195-E2 aircraft on 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). With 100% SAF, the 25% reduction in emissions can be increased up to an impressive 85%.

In terms of noise reduction, the E195-E2 offers an over 65% reduction in noise footprint area compared to jets of current generation operating at the airport.

In Sept 2021, the E190-E2 began its commercial flights into London City Airport with operators such as Helvetic Airways. This follows its Steep Approach certification in June 2021, a requirement to operate at London City Airport.

LCY’s runway length measures just 1,508 metres and descent angles are up to 5.5 degrees. Currently, 85% of all flights landing or departing LCY are E-Jets or the E190-E2 operated by carriers such as BA Cityflyer, KLM Cityhopper, and Helvetic Airways.

About Embraer

Embraer is the leading manufacturer of commercial jets up to 150 seats and the main exporter of high value-added goods in Brazil. The company maintains industrial units, offices, service and parts distribution centres, among other activities, across the Americas, Africa, Asia and Europe.

About London City Airport

London City Airport (LCY) is the capital’s most central airport. It provides connectivity to 36 destinations across Europe and the UK.

In 2022 LCY was named as the UK’s Best Airport by the Daily Telegraph, and in the same year it announced plans to be the first London airport to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2030.