Embraer steps up push for first E2 sale in India

Embraer is preparing a renewed push to secure the first sale of its E2 family in India during the Wings India 2026 air show, which opens on January 28 in Hyderabad. The Brazilian manufacturer will showcase the E195-E2 and the E175 as part of its latest effort to enter the country’s commercial airline market.

The move comes as India’s aviation sector continues to expand rapidly, making it one of the fastest-growing markets in the world. Despite this growth, airline fleets in the country remain heavily concentrated on aircraft with more than 150 seats, leaving limited presence for smaller jets typically operated by Embraer.

Last year, Embraer opened an office in India to strengthen ties with potential airline customers, industrial partners and government stakeholders. In early January, Indian group Adani Aerospace said it had signed a memorandum of understanding with Embraer to assess the local production of the manufacturer’s commercial aircraft as part of India’s “Make in India” industrial policy.

At present, Star Air is the only relevant commercial airline operator of Embraer aircraft in India. The carrier operates seven E175s and four ERJ145s, all under leasing agreements. In November last year, company executives said they were evaluating a direct order for E2 jets in 2026 as part of an expansion plan that aims to grow the fleet to as many as 50 aircraft by the end of the decade.

At Wings India 2026, Embraer will display the E195-E2 in a static exhibition. The aircraft seats roughly 130 to 146 passengers, placing it just below aircraft such as the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737, which account for the bulk of India’s commercial airline fleets. The E175, already in service with Star Air, is being used by Embraer as a reference point for its operational footprint in the country.

Outside commercial aviation, Embraer’s presence in India is largely tied to government and military programs. The company is also seeking to advance sales of the C-390 Millennium transport aircraft to the Indian Air Force under the country’s Medium Transport Aircraft program, in partnership with a local industrial group.

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Ricardo Meier

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