Aircraft
Embraer Confirms Launch Delay for Proposed Turboprop
Talks between Embraer and potential suppliers for a new turboprop have advanced more slowly than expected.
The proposed Embraer turboprop's rear-mounted engines could allow for adaptation for hydrogen power by 2045. (Image: Embraer)
The proposed Embraer turboprop's rear-mounted engines could allow for adaptation for hydrogen power by 2045. (Image: Embraer)

Embraer’s plans for a new conventionally powered turboprop have yet to crystalize as executives reconsider their timeframe targets for an industrial launch. While the company continues studies into the airplane’s technical characteristics, the previous launch target of the middle of this year appears unlikely to hold given that talks with potential suppliers will extend beyond original expectations, Embraer Commercial Aircraft CEO Arjan Meijer told AIN on Thursday.

“We aren’t going to hit the deadlines that we gave before and we won’t give a new deadline because we don’t want to be in a defensive position,” he said. “We’re not there with the system providers across the board. We’re trying to hit the design spot for the turboprop from all the different aspects, so if we don’t get there, we’re not launching. We need more time.”