Embraer expects to finish discussions with prospective customers about a powerplant choice for a re-engined version of its popular E-Jets in around two months’ time. According to Embraer executive vice president for the airline market Paulo Cesar de Souza e Silva, it expects to choose between CFM International, Pratt & Whitney and Rolls-Royce as the sole supplier roughly a year later.
The re-engined airplanes, which are expected to reach the market in 2018, would offer double-digit improvements in fuel burn and operating costs. “Everything is under assessment,” Silva told AIN. This includes a proposal to increase the seating capacity of the E195–the largest airplane in Embraer’s stable–by some 10 seats. The re-engined airplanes would also likely feature a new wing and a landing gear change to accommodate larger fan diameters. “There’s nothing definite yet,” said Silva, “but we’re open to all possibilities.”
