Embraer E190-E2: Certified For Steep Approach

Embraer E190-E2 received steep approach certification from EASA on May. This opens the door for airlines to operate the airplane at airports that require approach slopes greater than the typical 3.0 degrees.

Carriers can now fly to London City Airport which has a 5.5-degree steep approach requirement. LCY’s obstacles and short TORA field length (1,199 meters/3,934 feet) mandate a steeper than normal slope. The E2’s steep approach capability is enabled through a special software upgrade and installation of a Steep Approach switch on the cockpit control panel.

Pilots must be specially trained to fly to/from the airport. However, cockpit commonality between the E190 and E190-E2 means that E190 pilots already trained for steep approaches do not need additional simulator training to fly the E2.

The E190-E2’s certification is welcome news for airlines and people living and working around the airport, which has strict noise regulations. They will find the E2 to be a super-quiet neighbour. Its noise footprint is 63% lower than first-generation E190s operating at LCY. 

Over the years, LCY has become extremely popular for holiday travelers. Prior to the pandemic, the profile of traffic was split about 50-50 between leisure and business passengers. About 70% of all scheduled flights at LCY were operated by E170s and E190s. Seven airlines – BA CityFlyer, Alitalia, KLM Cityhopper, LOT Polish, Helvetic Airways, Lufthansa, and Portugalia – were flying E-Jets at LCY. 

The E190-E2 can fly just over 2,200 nm (4,074 km), nearly double the distance of the E190 and with 17.3% fewer CO2 emissions. That additional range brings more business and vacation markets within the E2’s capability, making possible to reach Moscow, Istanbul, Lisbon and Casablanca from LCY.