Embraer’s New China Market Outlook Predicts Regional Aircraft to lead the way in the Post-Epidemic Era

Zhuhai, China, September 28th, 2021 – Embraer will reveal its latest outlook for the Chinese commercial aviation market at Zhuhai Airshow today, the 13th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition. The report predicts new aircraft deliveries over the next 20 years based on passenger demand for air travel in the post-epidemic era. Embraer forecasts that 1,445 new aircraft in the up to 150-seat category will be needed in the region through 2040. Among those deliveries 77% will fulfill market growth, and 23% will replace ageing aircraft.

“During the pandemic, small and medium-sized aircraft and regional flights were instrumental in the quick recovery of connectivity in China. Our E-Jets were among the first aircraft types to restore flight frequencies across airline networks,” said Guo Qing, Managing Director and Vice President of Commercial Aviation, Embraer China. “In the post epidemic era, building a more efficient air transport system is of vital importance. The market calls for a more balanced fleet profile and route network structure to serve more secondary markets. That’s why we believe for the next 20 years, aircraft with up to 150 seats will fully release their potential.”

The Chinese government recently announced a series of infrastructure developments that includes around 200 new airports to encourage and promote industrial relocation. The importance of regional aircraft continues to increase after COVID-19, playing a key role in launching new services to these airports and developing demand.

Currently, there are 91 E-Jets in operation in China, flying across 550 routes, connecting 150 cities at home and abroad. They transport some 20 million passengers annually, connecting regional and trunk routes in east, north, northwest and southwest of China.

“China Civil Aviation Passenger Revenue Kilometers (RPK) will enjoy a 4.7% CAGR growth through the decade, signaling China’s lead in the aviation recovery,” said Arjan Meijer, President and CEO of Embraer Commercial Aviation. “We believe the Chinese aviation market will become world’s largest in the future. Embraer has already built a strong and positive presence on the market providing a solid foundation for our most advanced jet, the E2.”

The report, which will be revealed today at a press conference at the Zhuhai Airshow at 1400 in Room 210, also includes new data on the driving forces that will influence the shape of market growth in China.

Embraer’s stand at Zhuhai, showcasing the company’s E-Jet family of aircraft – including the E2, the quietest, cleanest and most efficient single-aisle aircraft in the segment - will also present audiences with a unique VR flight-deck experience of the E2.

As the country pledges to speed up emissions reductions to reach carbon neutrality by 2060, China civil aviation authority is attaching high importance to the environmental challenge the industry is facing and has proposed a series of policy initiatives, including the deployment of new generation aircraft to improve efficiency. E2 can deliver 25.4% better fuel efficiency per seat and up to 10% better fuel burn than its competitors, which effectively respond to the environmental challenges and make a concrete contribution to achieve the nation’s goal.

Embraer recently announced its ambitious target to achieve carbon neutral operations by 2040 and to support the aviation industry’s goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

“Sustainability is a top priority at Embraer across the board, and especially when it comes to new product design. More than just being the most efficient single aisle aircraft, our E2 aircraft family is also the quietest and greenest available in the market today,” Guo Qing added.

E-Jet E2s feature Pratt & Whitney PW1900G engines, new bespoke wings, plus aerodynamic innovations and full next generation fly-by-wire that together reduce fuel consumption and emissions. E2’s carbon emissions are 30% lower than first-generation E-Jets. That equates to 3,700 fewer kilograms of CO2 per flight and a reduction of 1 million tons of CO2 in 10 years for a fleet of 10 aircraft.

In addition to the already improved emissions and lower noise levels of the current products, the promotion of disruptive sustainable technologies, such as electrification, hybrid, Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and other innovative energy alternatives, is also part of Embraer’s strategic plan to reduce the impact on the planet.