Sources of Airfinance Journal point out that Embraer is studying the development of an E-Jet conversion line for freighters, for companies that wish to carry out a real conversion of the aircraft for cargo operations.
The study is still ongoing, and Embraer may launch a perspective for this market in December. During the pandemic, many companies began to use enger planes, which were in surplus in the fleet, for adapted cargo operations, like Blue.
Embraer's E-Jet freighter conversion will focus on the E190 and E195 models as they fill a gap between the Boeing 737-300 and ATR 72 models.
Embraer is not studying a possible conversion for the smaller of its fleet because they would not have clearance between the cargo door and the engine, found the Airfinance Journal.
The Airfinance Journal said that if Embraer approves the freighter conversion project, the prototype could be ready to fly by the end of 2022, with deliveries already in 2023. The freighter contemplates a complete conversion, even with a front cargo boarding door , and interior changes to remove the finishes.
“The E190 conversion project is independent of Azul’s cargo flights”, says a source with knowledge of the manufacturer's plans. “The idea behind the conversion program is to get a long-term OEM solution for these fleets,” adds the font.
Embraer's proposal may be a good proposition in of volume and speed when compared to turboprop freighters. But targeting the lower end of the market will be a challenge. The payload capacity of an E190-E1 is around 11 tons of cargo.
The big attraction is the acquisition cost of Embraer's E-Jet E1 aircraft, which currently ranges from US$ 9 million to US$ 12 million for an E195-E1. Some companies can sell for up to US$ 6 million, considering the low demand at the moment.
