Airlines
Embraer To Re-engine E-Jets with Geared Turbofan
Pratt & Whitney's PurePower Geared Turbofan to power the next generation of Embraer E-Jets.
Changes to Embraer's second-generation of E-Jets will center on a switch from GE to Pratt & Whitney engines. (Image: Embraer)
Changes to Embraer's second-generation of E-Jets will center on a switch from GE to Pratt & Whitney engines. (Image: Embraer)

Embraer has chosen Pratt & Whitney's PurePower Geared Turbofan to power the next generation of E-Jets, the companies announced Tuesday afternoon. Hoping to officially launch what it calls generically its second-generation E-Jets “later this year,” in time for expected service entry in 2018, Embraer reached a conclusion about its engine choice after a years-long analysis of Pratt & Whitney’s offering. The new engines scheduled for introduction on the E-Jets—dubbed the PW1700G and PW1900G—cover a thrust range from 15,000 to 22,000 pounds.

Embraer expects the new engines to generate a  “double digit” improvement in fuel burn, maintenance costs, emissions and noise. Plans call for the new airplanes—known colloquially as the G2 series—to also use new wings, full fly-by-wire flight controls, and other new or modified systems.