Embraer postpones introduction of E175-E2

During the presentation of its Q1-2021 financial results, Embraer announced it has pushed back the introduction of the E175-E2 to 2024 at the earliest. With no firm orders for the type, the focus for the manufacturer lies at the E190-E2 and E195-E2.

The E175-E2 flew for the first time on 12 December 2019 and is slightly larger than the ERJ175. Thanks to this, the aircraft can seat up to 90 passengers. This is, however, an issue for the US operators of the current ERJ175 as the larger size means the aircraft doesn't fit in the current scope clause it has. A scope clause is an agreement between the major US airlines and pilot unions limiting the size and number of passengers that can be flown by regional subsidiaries or production carriers (like Skywest). This to protect pilot job security at the mainline carriers. Currently, the scope-clause for Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines is set at a maximum of 76 passengers for the regional subsidiaries and production carriers, preventing these airlines to order the larger E175-E2.

Photo by Embraer.