Embraer faces delays in E175 production due to CF34 engine shortage

Embraer is experiencing production delays for its E175 regional jets amid a shortage of CF34 turbofan engines supplied by GE Aerospace. The supply bottleneck, which began ithis year, has led to unfulfilled orders, affecting the company’s ability to meet delivery targets.

The CF34, in service since 1983, powers the first-generation E-Jets family, including the E175, which remains the most sold model in the series. Embraer reported a backlog of 208 undelivered E175s by the end of June, with plans to deliver between 77 and 85 E-Jets in 2025, approximately 35% of which are E175s.

Engine supply constraints are not exclusive to Embraer. GE Aerospace has been addressing production limitations not only with the CF34 but also with the Leap engine, developed in partnership with Safran Aircraft Engines, which powers other aircraft such as the Airbus A320neo.

Airbus, for instance, has grounded several A320neo jets due to shortages of Leap-1A engines.

Embraer CEO Francisco Gomes Neto told Flight Global that the company has also faced shortages of fuselage components, contributing to shifting production bottlenecks. GE Aerospace stated it is working to meet Embraer’s engine needs.

The CF34 is also used by Bombardier in the Challenger 650 and by COMAC in the C909 regional jet.

Gomes Neto also said that improvements in the supply of Pratt & Whitney’s PW1000G family have alleviated previous disruptions. The turbofan equipped the E2 family of commercial aircraft.

Despite supply chain issues, Embraer’s CEO expressed confidence in returning to deliveries of more than 100 commercial jets starting in 2028.

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