Embraer is entering the burgeoning cargo aircraft market with the launch of the E190F and E195F Passenger to Freight (P2F) conversion program. The conversions will be available for all pre-owned E190 and E195 aircraft, with entry into service expected in early 2024.
On Monday (March 7, 2022), Embraer announced the launch of the E190F and E195F passenger to freight (P2F) conversion program. The E-Jet cargo aircraft will be designed to meet the changing demands of e-commerce and modern trade, with the need for rapid deliveries and decentralized operations. The conversion program will be available for all pre-owned E190 and E195 jets and entry onto service is expected in early 2024. Embraer sees three main opportunities for the program including, the aging of current inefficient narrowbody freighters, the ongoing transformation of the intersection between commerce, trade and logistics, and the fact that earlier E-Jets are beginning their replacement cycle. The company expects that the P2F conversion program will extend the life of the oldest E-Jets by another 10-15 years.
In Monday’s announcment, Embraer Commercial Aviation’s President and CEO, Arjan Meijer, said,
“Perfectly positioned to fill the gap in the freighter market between turboprops and larger narrowbody jets, our P2F E-Jet conversion hits the market as the demand for airfreight continues to takeoff, and as e-commerce and trade in general undergoes a global structural transformation.”
Also commenting on the launch of the E190/E195 P2F program, Embraer Services and Support’s President and CEO, Johann Bordais, said,
“The E-Jet air freighters will provide fast, reliable, and cost effective service to freight forwarders, extend the revenue earning life of E-Jets, support E-Jets’ asset values, and create a strong business case encouraging the replacement of earlier aircraft with modern, more efficient, passenger aircraft. With more than 1,600 E-Jets delivered globally, customers of this new freighter segment will benefit from well established, mature, global services network, in addition to a comprehensive portfolio of products ready to support their operation from day one.”
Embraer projects a market size for a freighter of this size to be approximately 700 aircraft over the next 20 years. The E-Jet freighters will have over 50 percent more volume capacity and three times the range of large cargo turboprops, while delivering a 30 percent lower operating cost compared to other narrowbody freighters. The P2F conversions will take place at Embraer’s facilities in Brazil and include the addition of a main deck front cargo door, a cargo handling system, floor reinforcement and a Rigid Cargo Barrier (a 9G Barrier with access door). Other changes include the addition of a cargo smoke detection system with class E extinguishers in the upper cargo compartment, air management system changes, interior removal and provisions for hazmat transportation.
The E190F will have a payload capacity of 23,600 lbs. (10,200 kg), while the E195F will be able to accommodate a payload of 27,200 lbs. (12,300) kg.
Headquartered in Brazil, Embraer is a global aerospace company and the leading manufacturer of aircraft with 70-150 seats, with more than 100 customers worldwide. The company maintains industrial units, offices and service/parts distribution centers across the Americas, Africa, Asia and Europe. Embraer has logged over 1,900 orders for their E-Jets and the company has already delivered over 1,600 of the jets to 80 customers in 50 countries. Since the company’s founding in 1969, Embraer has delivered over 8,000 aircraft. Today, an Embraer aircraft takes off on average every ten seconds, carrying over 145 million passengers annually.
Source: Embraer