Air TransportEmbraer: Next-Generation Turboprop Has Been Cancelled
The next-generation regional turboprop that Embraer aimed to launch this decade is ‘dead’. According to Francisco Gomes Neto, the company’s CEO, the project has been cancelled.
The statement was made during Embraer’s earnings press conference on Tuesday after a participant asked if the aircraft was still being evaluated.
“The turboprop initiative has been cancelled by us. We currently have no plans in that direction,” said Gomes Neto.
The Embraer chief executive considered that this could change in the future, but reaffirmed that the project is not suspended, but cancelled.
Planned in two versions, with 70 and up to 100 seats, and a very low operating cost, the aircraft would be based on the E-Jets’ structure, but with a lower ground clearance to facilitate operation in locations with simpler infrastructure.
Despite the good reception from potential customers, the lack of an advanced engine caused Embraer to ‘freeze’ the program, previously scheduled for launch in 2023.
E175-E2 remains 'alive'
Francisco Gomes Neto took the opportunity to state that the E175-E2 jet, the smaller member of the E2 family, remains suspended, but could be resumed if the scope clause for US airlines is revised.
The aircraft, although more efficient and capable than the first-generation E175, is very heavy, which prevents it from being operated by North American regional carriers.
The issue involves the refusal of crew members from airlines like American, United, and Delta to allow regional airlines to operate more capable aircraft, which could lead to them losing their jobs since the salaries paid by those airlines are lower.
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