Embraer rolls out new E195-E2 – flight testing to begin ahead of schedule

In front of approximately 10,000 employees, Embraer, the Brazilian plane manufacturer rolled out the next member of the E2 family, the up to 146-seat E195-E2 at the company’s facilities in São José dos Campos. The jet is now scheduled to begin aerodynamic and performance flight tests in the first half of this year instead of the earlier predicted latter half. It is understood that the company COO, Luis Carlos Affonso, will likely provide a further update on the E195-E2’s new flight-test date in early April.
According to John Slattery, President & CEO, Embraer Commercial Aviation: “The E195-E2 has the potential to significantly change the fleet profile of airlines around the world. With a 20% lower cost per trip and a cost per seat similar to larger aircraft, the E195-E2 becomes the ideal aircraft for regional business growth as well as low-cost business plans and complementing existing mainline fleets.” He added that “It’s the largest aircraft ever manufactured in Brazil,” while also commenting that: “It’s a special piece of history for us, and we want to celebrate with our employees.”
Since the announcement in 2013 of the launch of the E195-E2, there have been a number of design changes, including an increase to the aircraft’s maximum take-off weight and an extension of its wingspan, added 450nm of additional range for a maximum range of 2,450nm for sea-level take-offs. According to Slattery, “For airlines that operate in warmer climates and hot-and-high airports, the performance of the E2 is perfectly designed.”
The E195-E2 is scheduled to enter service in the first half of 2019, a year after the E190-E2 enters service with launch operator Wideroe. Currently there are 275 firm commitments to purchase E2 aircraft, and a further 415 options and purchase rights.
It is understood that Embraer plans to showcase the E195-E2 at June’s Paris air show.
With an investment of US$1.7 billion, the E2 program was launched in June 2013 and reinforces Embraer’s commitment to continuously invest in its commercial aviation products as well as maintain market leadership in the 70-to 130-seat segment.