Embraer revealed at the Dubai Airshow that it is analyzing the conversion of E190 and E195 E1 enger aircraft to freighters (P2F). The company is expected to make a decision on the matter next year.
“There is a great demand for aircraft of this size”, said Rodrigo Silva e Souza, vice president of marketing for Embraer Commercial Aircraft, to the portal Aviation Week.
The E1 freighters must carry around 14 tons with a range of 2000 nautical miles (about 3700 kilometers). If Embraer chooses to go ahead with the conversions, it will begin a 24-month development program for possible market entry in 2024.
Embraer predicts that airlines will order around 700 freighters in the market segment it serves over the next 20 years.
According to its latest market forecast, released on Monday, two-thirds of the cargo planes will be for growth, while a third will replace existing capacity.
Embraer too sees an overall market of 10.900 aircraft with up to 150 seats over the next 20 years. That compares to the roughly 5.500 aircraft it predicted in last year's edition, which was limited to a 10-year time horizon because of uncertainties caused by the pandemic. In 2019, Embraer projects a market of 10,5 units in 20 years.
The industry will be about 20% smaller than previously anticipated during the forecast period, but the demand for aircraft will still grow because 60% of the aircraft will be used as replacements and not for growth.
The company expects airlines and lessors to order 8.640 jets and 2.260 turboprops. At the Dubai Airshow, Embraer announced a firm order for three 175s from Overland Airways, a Nigerian regional airline, with options for three other aircraft.
