Embraer is unlikely to launch a next-generation, re-engined variant of its E-jet family before next year, but will continue to introduce gradual enhancements to its current models, the company’s president and CEO said Tuesday.
The Brazilian manufacturer is also continuing to explore different engine options for the future model despite its long-time relationship with GE Aviation and the CF-34 engine, Frederico Curado said during a press briefing in Washington, DC.
Embraer announced late last year it had dropped plans to enter the 130-160 seat narrowbody market and would instead focus on developing a re-engined variant of its E-jet family that could be ready in 2018.
“We need a very, very good engine that delivers a significant reduction in fuel burn, but also a reduction in maintenance costs,” Curado said. “GE is a great partner, but we have to be open-minded about what is the best engine for the aircraft because this is a core feature of the airplane. Reliability is a given, and then it must deliver reduced fuel burn and maintenance costs.”
Curado said the company was in no hurry to launch the new variant. “Our E-jets are modern aircraft and the 190 is selling well and has a strong backlog. We are very intensively talking with our customers and we will eventually converge on how many models we will have and the extent of the modifications to the airframe. Is it just new engines or something else? That talk is not within our engineering walls; it’s about talking to our customers and it’s a long process to decide exactly what our customers want,” he said.
Curado therefore does not expect an announcement on the aircraft before next year, although he said an engine selection could potentially happen this year. In the meantime, gradual enhancements will continue to current models.
Curado added that he was happy with the decision to stay out of the narrowbody market, although it was difficult to reach. “We didn’t see a business case for us or anyone else. We are happy with that decision and all of our efforts will be focused on the E-jets,” he said.
Article Source : ATW Daily News
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