E2 certified for steep approaches

On 13 July 2018, Embraer E190E2 PR-ZGQ (msn 19020004, with a Shark themed colour scheme) already made a promotional stop at London-City Airport, before appearing at the Farnborough Air Show 2018.

That same aircraft returned early May 2021 for the real certification process, and was granted EASA steep approach certification on 11 May.

This opens the door for airlines to operate the airplane at airports that require approach slopes greater than the typical 3.0 degrees, and London City qualifies with an approach angle of 5.5 degrees.

Pilots must be specially trained to fly to/from steep approach airports. However, cockpit commonality between the E190 and E190-E2 means that E190 pilots already trained for steep approaches do not need additional simulator training to fly the E2.