Embraer has taken a major step forward with its E2 Jet programme, with the manufacturer obtaining ETOPS approval.
E195-E2 Tech Eagle Demostrator, now with ETOPS-120 rating – Image, Embraer
The company secured 120-minute extended twin-engine operations (ETOPS – Extended-range Twin-engine Operations Performance Standards) approval for the E190-E2 and E195-E2.
This has been authorised by Brazil’s Civil Aviation Authority ANAC (Agência Nacional de Aviação Civil), the FAA (US Federal Aviation Administration), and EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency).
This capability paves the way for E2 operators to fly direct non-limiting routes over water and other remote areas, saving both time and fuel as the aircraft design has matured since the E2 family rolled out.
ETOPS certification requires the fleet of aircraft in operation to reach cumulative flying hour milestones, which have now been met.
The certification for the E2 has been granted later than expected due to the global pandemic – which cut down operations of the type and slowed down the accumulation of flying hours required to gain this certificate
In Quotes
Arjan Meijer, President and CEO Embraer Commercial Aviation, said,
“ETOPS is an important additional capability for the E2, and a key enabler for more sales, especially in Asia Pacific. Airlines flying routes with up to 120 minute diversion time will be able to use straighter, quicker and more fuel efficient routes, and have access to more diversion airports. ETOPS capability is a further optimisation of the E2, already the most fuel efficient aircraft in its segment.”
Opening up connectivity
With the world mostly moved to twin-engined operations for passenger flight (save the A380, Boeing 747-400 and Boeing 747-8i), ETOPS is an important requirement for some airlines as they seek to connect routes – be they much longer range or “thin and light” routes that cannot justify a larger aircraft (such as the 737 or A320 family).
And sometimes that means flying routes where your nearest diversion airport is over an hour away. With the ability to divert for up to two hours on a single engine, there is confidence that an Embraer E2 can make it to that diversionary airport within the time envelope presented.
With the major markets covered by this authorization (Brazil, the USA and Europe), it should give operators of the type further options if they wish to operate to new routes and save costs on existing routes.
Key operators of the type include Azul Brazilian Airlines, Porter Airlines, KLM CityHopper, and Helvetic, with several smaller operators, including Scoot, which will commence operating the type soon.
For Embraer operators, this could be a very tempting option.
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Wow, this is a big deal for Embraer.