Embraer's 170 airliner headlines the Brazilian manufacturer's most significant participation yet at Asian Aerospace. The 170's appearance in the flying display kicks off a 21-day Asia-Pacific demo tour during which it will be demonstrated to 46 airlines around the region.
The tour will include 12 countries and comes at a special moment for the 170/190 family, following the rollout of the 190 in Brazil just three weeks ago.
Embraer is bullish about prospects in the region, where it estimates that nearly 40% of the 61-120 seat aircraft segment is more than 20 years old. These aircraft will need to be replaced as they become increasingly uneconomical to operate.
The firm points to the region's huge population (28 of the world's 50 most populous cities are here), the growth of low-fare operators and the often undeveloped nature of the airlines in the region as factors for its optimistic view of the market.
Embraer says that the Asia-Pacific market for aircraft in the 30-120 seat range will be about 490 aircraft over 20 years. "More specifically, we believe that the majority of these aircraft will be in the 61 to 120 seat range," says the firm.
Embraer has identified several potential opportunities in the region including: the inter-regional market in Southeast Asia; low-density markets in Australia and New Zealand; and India with its huge population and growing economy.
Awarded
The 170 was granted final type certification by the US FAA last week. It has also been awarded final type and production certification from the Brazilian aerospace agency Centro Tecnico Aeroespacial (CTA) and secured a letter of recommendation from the European Joint Aviation Authorities (JAA), which effectively authorises type certification for Europe's aviation regulators.
The 170 is the first in an entirely new family specifically designed for the commercial aviation market. It comprises the Embraer 170, 175, 190 and 195 jets - seating respectively 70, 78, 98 and 108 passengers at 32in (80cm) pitch.
The high degree of commonality among the four family airliners also results in operating, maintenance and training cost savings for carriers. Moreover, cross-crew qualification (CCQ) allows better use of resources without the restrictions normally associated with mixed-fleet flying.
The twin underwing engines for the 170/190 family jets are supplied by GE and controlled by Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC), which optimises engine operation during all phases of flight, and cuts down fuel consumption and maintenance costs.
Another important feature of the 170/190 programme is the use of Honeywell's Primus Epic fully-integrated avionics system for the flight control system, similar to those deployed on advanced military aircraft and larger commercial jets.
The 170 application is the first certification of Primus Epic for use on air transport. All four jets of the new family are designed to meet and exceed the demanding noise and emission-related requirements established by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).
Maximum
The jets have four main cabin doors, offering airlines fast turn-around times and maximum cabin configuration flexibility for dual class, single class, or high-density seating arrangements.
The "double-bubble" fuselage design will also interest passengers. This design offers much more room around passengers' shoulders and feet. Seats and aisles are the widest among airliners of the same class.
MIKE MARTIN
Source: Flight Daily News
