Small Narrowbody Jets

Brazilian manufacturer Embraer, while occupied with shopping its 146-seat E195-E2 jet, is indicating it will consider reentering the turboprop market to meet demand in Latin America.

Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer expects the E175-E2 to make its first flight later this year, with an entry into service for the latest member of its new-generation E-Jets family expected at the end of 2021.

Embraer could delay the E175-E2 entry into service further, by a few months, as another round of pilot labor-contract scope-clause discussions begins.

Embraer’s IKON big data analysis system works with connectivity built into the E2 to provide greatly enhanced predictive data for MRO.

Embraer’s Slattery says many of the goals set for entry into service have been exceeded, but he concedes there have been some "small learnings."

Embraer looks to accelerate E2 sales and production rates with Boeing partners as the E195-E2 secures triple regulatory approval.

With new scope negotiations due between now and 2022, OEMs are hopeful enough changes will enable their new crossover narrowbody jets to penetrate the North American market.

The big question for OEMs now is how much further new crossover narrowbody jets can penetrate the European market compared with previous generations of aircraft.

Crossover narrowbody jet manufacturers eye Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and parts of northeast Asia as a key sales battlegrounds.

Low-cost carriers stand to gain more market access by adding crossover jets to their fleets.

Manufacturers are confident that the market will prevail, despite political issues that may affect sales in Russia.

Designers of the new generation of crossover narrowbody jets have taken into account the cabin crew.

Crossover narrowbodies—whose capacity falls between regionals and single-aisles—are almost all clean-sheet designs and have maintainability “designed in.”

The vast amount of China’s intermediate-size cities could bode well for a surge in narrowbody aircraft to serve those destinations.

Inflight entertainment/connectivity went from “nice to have” to “must have” for passengers. New-gen crossover narrowbody jets are being designed to accommodate.

Africa represents less than 10% of the world’s available seat miles, but that is about to change, and manufacturers of crossover narrowbody jets are taking note.

While large regional jets have been a choice, they did not have the range of new-generation crossover aircraft.

The aim of integrated flight deck technology is to clearly display essential flight information and enable an intuitive, reduced-workload flying experience.

“Airlines will look at efficient small single-aisle [aircraft] as their second type for their single-aisle operations,” says one industry executive.

Crossover narrowbody jets, with quieter, more efficient engines, could impinge on turboprop market.

For crossover narrowbody jet manufacturers, the challenge is to convince carriers there is a need for their aircraft, both operationally and financially.

Much is made in the industry of delivering “integrated powerplants” rather than simply engines.

Easier access to many airports, including those with short runways, steep approaches or noise and emissions restrictions, are a major benefit of crossover narrowbody jets.

Regional jet manufacturers are working to make aircraft cabins more efficient for airlines and more appealing to their passengers.