As a die-hard user of the jet engine for its commercial aircraft for decades, it was surprising to hear a Boeing spokesperson reveal last week, that the giant US aircraft manufacturer has been watching closely Embraer’s development programme for a new turboprop. It sees it as a potential joint venture with the Brazilian aviation manufacturer.
“Boeing is familiar with the current Embraer study for development of a new turboprop,” a Boeing spokesperson revealed to the media. “We look forward to reviewing the business case and are excited by the possibility of this new airplane being developed and produced within our planned joint venture.”
Embraer Commercial Aircraft’s President and CEO, John Slattery, is seeking an entry-into-service of late 2025 or early 2026 for a new turboprop aircraft. Embraer’s management has been investigating the project for two years.
Slattery stated at the Air Finance Journal conference in Dublin last week [21-23 January] that the company will soon be in position to present a business plan to the board for a decision to launch the aircraft which, he believes, will happen on the back of orders for “hundreds of aircraft”.
Embraer has been putting a substantial effort into the project as it prepares to transition its commercial aircraft business to the Boeing Brazil-Commercial joint venture. Slattery pointed out that the project can only happen inside the joint venture as Embraer alone will not be in the position to fund the large investment needed on its own.
Slattery’s outlook is that the new aircraft will bring much-needed new competition in the turboprop market where ATR has “an effective monopoly”. Embraer and Boeing are currently waiting for European Commission approval for the joint venture. The project has received provisional regulatory approval by eight out of 10 competition authorities needed.
ATR regards Embraer’s tie-up with Boeing as good for competition as it allows the two to widen their product portfolio.
Embraer is currently looking at a two-member family of turboprops at the upper end of the market that could be supplemented by a third smaller version at a later stage that may be hybrid-electrically powered. The aircraft “will have the look and feel of an [Embraer] E2”. Slattery is “confident” that engine manufacturers will come up with powerplant options that will offer major cash operating cost savings over existing engines.
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