Key facts
- Embraer is promoting its E2 passenger jets to Chinese airlines.
- The E2 aircraft are designed to fit between COMAC's C909 and C919 models in terms of seating capacity.
- Embraer's E190-E2 and E195-E2 models received Chinese certification in 2022 and 2023.
- Embraer's market share in China is 1.6%, with its last delivery to the country in 2018.
- Colorful Guizhou Airlines intends to lease five COMAC C909 aircraft.
Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer S.A. is actively promoting its new-generation E2 passenger jets to Chinese airlines, aiming to fill a specific capacity niche between the smaller COMAC C909 and the larger COMAC C919. Arjan Meijer, president and CEO of Embraer Commercial Aviation, stated that the E2 aircraft line offers an optimal seating capacity that complements COMAC's offerings.
Embraer's E190-E2 and E195-E2 models received Chinese regulatory certification in 2022 and 2023, respectively. However, the company currently holds only a 1.6% share of China's commercial fleet, comprising 67 jets, and has not delivered a new aircraft to the country since 2018. Embraer faces substantial competition from established players like Airbus, which holds 55% of the market, and Boeing, with 37.8%, as well as the growing presence of high-speed rail.
Adding to the competitive pressure, some Chinese airlines are shifting away from Embraer. Notably, Colorful Guizhou Airlines has announced plans to sell two older Embraer E190 jets and has issued a tender to lease five COMAC C909 aircraft.