Despite repeated earlier statements that the 70- and 90-seater markets seemed overcrowded, Embraer says it now plans to enter the fray after "considerable pressure" from customers to extend its regional jet family. But some still remain doubtful about the size of the market.
Just days after the Brazilian manufacturer's announcement, British Aerospace (BAe) Regional Aircraft, which is currently alone in the 85-100-seat market with the Avro RJ, was unveiling latest plans for its re-engined RJX which could enter service in mid-2001. It argues that the market is too thin to justify the spend on a new programme especially in the light of scope clauses still restricting the US regionals.
For its part, Embraer wants the key US carriers to be in no doubt that it is now joining rival Bombardier in the 70- and 90-seater race.
Final go-ahead on the ERJ-170 is expected during the second quarter of this year for first deliveries in 2002, with the ERJ-190 due to follow two years later. While Embraer's smaller 35-50-seat jets have won a string of major US orders, including one for the ERJ-145 in the 50-seat battle for American Eagle, when the carrier needed a 70-seater it turned to Bombardier.
Source: Airline Business
