The E195-E2 is not decorated with an eagle’s head by chance. The new jewel in the crown from Brazil's Embraer consumes less fuel, emits less CO2 and is quieter. Presented for the first time at Le Bourget, the air show near Paris, it is an aircraft with the name that speaks to the ears of airline executives: the “Profit Hunter” is on a world tour that included a visit to Findel on Friday.
“We are delighted to launch the worldwide demonstration tour of the E195-E2, the largest aircraft ever developed by Embraer, with our Chinese customers. Airlines will appreciate the E2’s outstanding economic performance and efficiency, greater operational flexibility and unmatched passenger comfort. As the most efficient single-aisle aircraft on the market, the E195-E2 is the ideal aircraft to expand regional operations and complement existing low-cost and mainline fleets," Embraer commercial aviation president and CEO John Slattery said at the start of the world tour.
According to its specifications, this future new aircraft in the Luxair fleet consumes 20% less fuel and its emissions are 25% lower than previous aircraft in the E-jet family. The aircraft is also capable of operating on a 100% sustainable aviation fuel blend (SAF), as demonstrated in June 2022 in Florida. For the time being, the aircraft will use about 30%-50% of the blended fuel, while aviation authorities certify the technology and make it possible to use 100% cleaner fuel.
Luxair has ordered four aircraft, the first of which will be integrated into the national airline’s fleet at the end of 2025 or beginning of 2026. Five other options are already on the table. “I’m delighted to be opening a new chapter with Embraer,” said Luxair CEO in Terminal B before taking a closer look at the aircraft. “Our collaboration began in the 1990s. It took 14 years to arrive at this aircraft and the competition was fierce. The configuration of our aircraft will be 136 seats.” The list price is $85.8m, Embraer said, with the final price the result of many factors, but it is a significant investment.
Two rows of two seats instead of three
Heading a delegation from the Brazilian aircraft manufacturer, vice president of sales and marketing Marie-Louise Philippe said she was “very proud” to be in Luxembourg, stressing that her company had “the passengers at heart to offer them the best travel experience”.
Among the new features of this aircraft are two double rows of two seats instead of three. Being in the middle is never very pleasant. The windows are larger and four suitcases can be stowed in the overhead bins instead of two. There is more legroom than today, and there are no feet to prevent luggage being stowed under the seats. These changes have been made possible by a new air-conditioning system that frees up space.
On the outside, the engines are bigger but burn only a tiny fraction of the air that reaches them, making it more efficient and less noisy.
World tours are a common activity for Embraer, which took its shark-coloured on tour last year. The E190 flight visited 39 countries and 68 cities on a 125,000 nautical mile itinerary. It began its journey in China, flying to 11 cities in 20 days. It then completed its tour of Africa, visiting Algiers, Morocco, Kenya, Mauritius, South Africa and Ghana. The plane then visited numerous destinations in the United States, and finally 15 in Europe.
Read the original French version of this article