As the private aviation industry moves in a more sustainable direction, airframe makers are exploring concepts that defy traditional models. Embraer is embracing a scattershot approach to their “jet of the future” design.
Unveiled in late November, its Energia series of concept jets reveals bold new designs for four sustainable propulsion technologies. The airframe maker is thinking outside the box with disruptive designs that harness emerging energy sources for high degrees of efficiency. And while they’re still concepts, the Energia series already has the industry buzzing.
A sustainable perspective
Virtually every airframe maker is planning for a future in which fuel efficiency is a defining feature of jet design. Some are experimenting with more efficient fuselage design, and others are incorporating next-gen avionics to optimize flight efficiency. Embraer is one of the few legacy airframers focused primarily on sustainable propulsion.
Each of the four jets unveiled as part of its Energia series features a concept propulsion system designed specifically to reduce or eliminate emissions — either by itself or with the help of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF).
Arjan Meijer, president and CEO of Embraer Commercial Aviation, says, “Embraer has been working diligently over the last couple of years on new concepts, and over the last 12 months, we’ve really defined how new technologies can be translated into concepts that we can see on the horizon. We want to show the world the vision that Embraer has of the future.”
Embraer has hinted that most, if not all, of its Energia prototypes will begin testing within the next few years. Here’s a preview of eachEnergia concept:
Energia Hybrid (E9-HE). This nine-seat jet features hybrid-electric propulsion that decreases CO2 emissions by up to 90%. It’s propelled by two rear-mounted turboprop engines.
Energia Electric (E9-FE). A full-electric nine-seater, this unique design features aft contra-rotating propellers. Embraer sees this as a net-zero carbon jet pending technology advancements in electric propulsion.
Energia H2 Fuel Cell (E19-H2FC). Another zero-emission jet, this 19-seater features rear-mounted electric engines and hydrogen-electric propulsion.
Energia H2 Gas Turbine (E50-H2GT). The largest of the Energia series, this 30-50-seater, dual-turbine jet relies on hydrogen or SAF for its fuel source. Its carbon neutrality depends on pending advancements in hydrogen fuel cell technologies.
According to Embraer, each jet presents new opportunities for its own specific niche of private air travel. Those with dual or hybrid propulsion systems also offer enticing possibilities for fuel-adapted routes — depending on distance and speed demands.
Waiting on the tech to catch up
According to Arjan Meijer, Embraer’s scattershot approach to propulsion prototyping is largely due to the pending availability of necessary technologies. Advancements in hybrid-electric, electric, hydrogen, and dual-fuel gas turbines are forthcoming. When they do come to market, Embraer stands ready to expediently incorporate them into its concept designs.
Given the current development trajectory, Embraer’s Energia concept jets are likely to take flight over the next 3-5 years. Embraer has already demonstrated a strong commitment to the future of sustainable flight. Its entire fleet is on track for SAF compatibility by 2030. The Energia line reinforces the company’s dedication with its diverse approach to sustainable aviation.
Contact the experts at L & L International if you need assistance acquiring or selling a private jet. You can reach our sales specialists today at sales@L-Lint.com, call us any time at +1 (305) 754-3313, or visit us online.
In 2020, the failed partnership between Boeing and Embraer was headline news. It started as an ambitious joint venture to dominate both commercial and private aviation markets, and then it mysteriously fell apart. Boeing lost its stake in the private market, and Embraer lost billions in investment capital. Embraer was expected to falter in the wake of the deal’s collapse, but to everyone’s surprise, it’s proven more than resilient. Today, Embraer’s sales are skyrocketing.
The collaboration that never was
In late 2019 and early 2020, news broke of a tentative agreement between commercial aviation leader Boeing and private airframe manufacturer Embraer. Details emerged about a synergistic partnership that would net Boeing an 80% stake in Embraer’s commercial aircraft operations, while bringing $4.2 billion into Embraer to help it compete against its rival, Bombardier.
But in April 2020, the deal abruptly fell apart. Boeing walked away from the table, and the two companies traded veiled blows over the defunct deal — hinting at different reasons for the collapse. While the reason for the deal’s end has yet to come to light, many assumed Embraer would walk away from the deal worse for wear. Roughly 18 months later, that speculation couldn’t be further from reality.
Embraer is thriving as market demand skyrockets
A simple look at the stock charts of both public companies tells the true post-collapse tale. Both companies have ticked up, but Embraer is thriving. 2021 YTD figures show Boeing (NYSE: BA) up approximately 42%, while Embraer (NYSE: ERJ) surged approximately 252% over the same period.
Embraer’s success is largely tied to the historic demand for private aviation. In the wake of its failed deal with Boeing, Embraer has had no trouble prospecting new opportunities and forging ahead with deals to expand its share of the private aviation sector. Examples include its recent $1.2 billion deal with NetJets to supply up to 100 Embraer Phenom 300E jets for its growing fleet.
To date, Embraer has seen a staggering 25% uptick in bizjet deliveries. According to AINonline, “Year-to-date, business jet deliveries totaled 54, including 36 light jets (two Phenom 100s and 34 Phenom 300s) and 18 large jets (six Praetor 500s and 12 Praetor 600s).” Safe to say, Embraer isn’t struggling as many suspected it would be this time last year.
Rising to overcome the fallout
On pace to deliver 150 jets by the end of 2021, Embraer has proven itself resilient beyond its failed partnership with Boeing. More importantly, this year has marked a return to positive cash flow for the company. According to an evaluation of the company’s financials by Reuters, “Improved working capital efficiency helped Embraer generate $21 million of free cash flow, the first positive third-quarter cash flow in over a decade.”
While many in aviation will continue to lament what might have come from a partnership between Boeing and Embraer, the latter is defying the assumption that it would falter. As post-pandemic demand for private aviation continues to trend higher, Embraer will continue to soar.
The expert jet brokers at L & L International are here to help you acquire the perfect jet. Need to sell your jet? We can assist with that, too. Contact the private aviation professionals online, at sales@L-Lint.com, or at +1 (305) 754-3313.
When most companies think about BizJet investments, they’re not thinking about turboprops. The turboprop market traditionally skews toward smaller craft — until now. Embraer teased plans about a regional turboprop earlier this year, and now that the design has been revealed, it’s garnering praise from some — and leaving others scratching their heads.
Why the mixed reaction? Embraer’s design defies traditional sizing for a turboprop craft, and the engines aren’t on the wings — they’re mounted to the rear fuselage.
A brand-new concept undergoing continued iteration
Embraer announced some time ago that it was working on a new regional jet, and since then, information has slowly leaked about its design. Analysts quickly grew skeptical of the new turboprop concept. It would make the new jet the first midsized aircraft in decades to feature the design. And the latest release has further divided the skeptics from the believers.
Embraer announced its new regional jet would embrace the turboprop concept, and it would take the design a step further to feature two engines mounted to the rear fuselage. Renderings released by the company reveal a novel aircraft which incorporates a classic design with modern aesthetics. But this might not be the final design. According to the company, it’s still studying the concept and engaging potential partners to determine the best mode of production.
Why a return to turboprops?
Large turboprops have a notorious reputation in the BizJet sector. Passengers frequently complain about noise and vibration from turboprop engines, and the design typically limits range — especially for midsized models.
But it’s precisely these pitfalls driving the design of Embraer’s new craft. According to Rodrigo Silva e Souza, Embraer’s Vice President of Marketing and Strategy, “We realized that if we put the engines at the back, we would reduce the noise significantly. In fact, the noise levels that we get in our simulations are basically the same that we have in our jets today.”
And Embraer isn’t just solving old problems; it’s looking ahead for future opportunities. As Silva e Souza explained, Embraer’s design relies on a future in which hydrogen propulsion systems are a staple: “For this size of plane, we understand that the future will be hydrogen powered aircraft. And when we think about a version of this product powered by hydrogen, the best configuration would be to have the hydrogen tank closer to the engine.”
Embraer is aware of the stigma surrounding larger turboprops, but it hopes to produce a plane to change the conversation and shift perception.
A regional turboprop makes sense
Embraer’s still-unnamed regional turboprop has the potential to carve out a market share in a space where regional jet travel is on the rise. As more people choose to fly private aircraft, they’re looking for affordable solutions. The lower market entry for a turboprop puts Embraer at an immediate advantage, and its upgrade potential makes it a market-ready investment for charter companies that need to remain agile.
Where most airframe manufacturers are content with iterating on already-proven concepts, Embraer is forging a new path forward by looking backward. And they have investor support. Embraer stock has climbed since the announcement of its regional turboprop.
Contact the experts at L & L International if you need assistance acquiring or selling a private jet. You can reach our sales specialists today at sales@L-Lint.com, call us any time at +1 (305) 754-3313, or visit us online.
After debuting at the Paris Air Show and making stops around the world in China, Southeast Asia, and Europe, Embraer’s new mega-sized E195-E2 jet has finally landed in the U.S. The aircraft, boasting 120+ seats, displayed its commanding prowess at Kennedy Space Center in Florida as part of its global roadshow tour. The goal? Showcase Embraer’s largest jet and set the tone for an aircraft that’s ready to dominate the fleet jet market in 2021.
A look at the E195-E2
Embraer is well-known for its E-Jet family of commercial jetliners and has undisputed success with aircraft in the 66-126 passenger range. The E195-E2 is a step up into a new class for the manufacturer. Three seating options — three-class with 120 seats, single-class with 132 seats, or single-class with 146 seats — show the company’s foray into larger aircrafts and marks its largest jet to date. Adjustable seat pitch from 29” to 35” also makes it one of the most accommodating E-Jets.
Source: embraercommercialaviation.com
With size comes power, too. Dual Pratt & Whitney PW1900G Geared Turbofans generate 23,000 pounds of thrust capable of reaching Mach 0.82, pushing the E195-E2 to a range of 2,600 nautical miles. Fully loaded, the jet has a maximum takeoff weight (mtow) of 135,584 pounds.
Perhaps the most staggering feature of the mega-sized jet is its environmentally conscious design. Advanced wing sloping, state-of-the-art avionics, and fuel-efficient engines make this jetliner surprisingly efficient, showing purposeful design by Embraer. According to the manufacturer, “the E195-E2 achieves double-digit lower fuel consumption compared to current-generation E-Jets.” At present, it’s expected to be the most efficient aircraft in the single aisle jet market.
What can we expect from the E195-E2?
The U.S. debut of the E195-E2 jet is generating plenty of buzz, but there’s speculation by Embraer that this buzz won’t necessarily culminate in domestic sales. Instead, the company is looking at Europe and Asia to carry this newest E-Jet to commercial success. The reason? U.S. regional jet clauses limit aircrafts to 76 seats and mtow of 86,000 pounds.
Embraer’s decision to invest nearly $1.6 billion in the expansion of its E-Jet family has added fuel to the fire surrounding speculation for an industry shift toward bigger jets. The industry as a whole has shown a creep toward large-cabin options with more seating and larger gross mtow. The E195-E2 is another data point on this trend.
It makes sense. As international travel picks up and new global business hubs rise, jets need to transport more people, farther, in better time. In many ways, the E195-E2 is a standard for what to expect in the coming decade of travel. Emphasis on efficiency and capacity show forethought to an industry with growing demands for better performance standards. Standards only large-cabin jetliners can meet.
The expert jet brokers at L & L International are here to help you acquire the perfect jet. Need to sell your jet? We can assist with that, too. Contact the private aviation professionals online, at sales@L-Lint.com, or at +1 (305) 754-3313.
There’s a lot going on in the private and business aviation industry: Many soon-to-be-released luxury jets are about to enter the market, pre-owned jet prices are stabilizing, and the ADS-B mandate deadline looms. Here’s an overview of what’s happening and what it means for those trying to decide whether to purchase new aircraft, go with pre-owned models, or upgrade their current jets.
New models
Quite a lot of buzz surrounds new luxury jet models coming soon to market. Here’s a taste of what’s on the horizon for those looking to purchase a new high-end aircraft:
Boeing 787 Dreamliner – Source: Boeing
Boeing 787 Dreamliner — If you demand nothing less than the height of luxury, the VVIP Dreamliner might be the next jet for you. With the ability to fly nonstop for more than 17 hours, this model provides flyers plenty of time to enjoy its more than 2,400 square feet of cabin space with heated marble floors, a king-size bed, walk-in closet, and full-size shower. If you want to test it out before buying, you can charter this penthouse in the sky for you and 39 of your closest friends for a mere $70,000 per hour.
Embraer Legacy 500 – Source: Flyingmag.com
Embraer Legacy 500 and 450 — Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer’s Legacy 500 and its slightly shorter sister, the Legacy 450, are some of the fastest jets in the midsize and “mid light” aircraft categories, delivering a high-speed cruise of Mach 0.79 to 0.82, respectively. They are some of only under-$50 million jets that feature full fly-by-wire flight controls. The Legacy 450, with a range of 1,300 nautical miles (nm), has a cabin four feet shorter than the 500, which has a 3,000-nautical-mile range. Both feature superb passenger comfort, low turbulence, and low noise levels.
Gulfstream G500 – Source: Wikipedia
Gulfstream G500 — Gulfstream’s long-range, large-cabin business jet is scheduled to enter into service in 2019. Its Pratt & Whitney Canada PW814GA engines reduce fuel consumption as well as cut emissions and noise. It sports 27-inch-wide seats with footrests for extra comfortable rides for as many as 19 passengers and includes a large, fully equipped galley. The G500 has a range of 5,200 nm and offers a state-of-the-art Wi-Fi and entertainment system as well as full digital fly-by-wire flight controls.
Pilatus PC-24 – Source: Wikipedia
Pilatus PC-24 — The PC-24 super versatile jet is the first business jet from Swiss manufacturer Pilatus Aircraft. The 10-passenger aircraft, for which deliveries began in January 2018, has a list price of just under $9 million. Its large aft door can handle standard cargo pallets, it flies as fast as 440 knots, and the PC-24 can fly six passengers 1,800 nm. Buyers can even choose among seven cabin layouts for this area that offer more overall space than its more expensive competitors. In addition, the light jet can use grass, gravel, or dirt runways as well as runways less than 2,700 feet, according to the Barron’s article.
Changes in the pre-owned market
Buyers who are not ready to go all-in on a new jet might want to take a look at the pre-owned market while they still can. Although the pre-owned Gulfstream market has been struggling over the past several years, according to an AINOnline article, an increase in pre-owned sales, decreasing inventories, and stabilizing prices have contributed to its ongoing recovery. For example, less than 4% of Gulfstream G650 and G550 fleets are for sale, which is extremely low compared to recent years.
Inventories for older Gulfstream models, however, such as the GIV-SP and G-V, are still high. In addition, values for the G550, which had been dropping nearly 20% per year for three years, have leveled off. Plus, new tax rules that allow for 100% depreciation during the first year for both new and pre-owned jets will likely boost sales in both categories in the coming year.
For those who plan to acquire a pre-owned aircraft, keep in mind the ADS-B mandate, which requires all aircraft be updated by January 2020. ADS-B Out equipment can be expensive, and slots for performing the upgrades are filling up fast. You don’t want your pre-owned new-to-you jet to lose its value or end up in the scrap heap because of your failure to comply.
Buying a jet, whether the latest model or a pre-owned model, can be a daunting, time-consuming process. To make the best of your next jet purchase, seek out an expert who understands the markets and can help you get the aircraft for your needs at the right price.
The expert jet brokers at L & L International are here to help you acquire the perfect jet.
The numbers keep demonstrating that the private, pre-owned aircraft market is slowly regaining ground. Inventories fell, number of transactions increased and days on market decreased in February 2012.
Put the laser down. Ground-to-air laser events have grown astronomically: 20 reported in 2005, nearly 2,000 in 2010. That’s just in the U.K. The numbers are increasing, and lasers focused on aircraft nearing an airport are a growing concern.
Tokyo has opened its first dedicated business jet terminal. Tokyo has fallen behind other cities in the region in developing infrastructure around business jet travel, so this terminal marks a turning point in the attitude toward private aircraft.
Embraer and Boeing Partnership
This new cooperation includes three areas of emphasis: safety and efficiency; research and technology; and sustainable aviation biofuels. The announcement comes the same day that the U.S. and Brazil signed an agreement to deepen cooperation between the two nations over civil aviation.
What do you think is the most important news item? Tell us.
I don’t know any Jackie Chan jokes, but I’m sure they are out there, much like the popular Chuck Norris jokes. For instance, Chuck Norris doesn’t hunt, he waits. Chuck Norris’ calendar goes straight from March 31 to April 2 because nobody makes a fool out of Chuck Norris.
Anyway, I digress. Today we’re talking about Jackie Chan.
Did you know all of these facts about Jackie Chan?
He is an operatically trained vocalist.
He won the Favorite Buttkicker award for Karate Kid.
Jackie Chan, native of Hong Kong, China, brought his brand new executive jet to the air show in Singapore this week. Due to his talents as an actor, martial artist, stuntman, choreographer and all-around buttkicker, Jackie Chan enjoys immense popularity in China. This makes him the perfect person to represent the Embraer brand in this quickly expanding market.
China has one of the fastest growing markets for business aviation and private jets. According to Bombardier, the number of jets in China is expected to increase from 150 in 2010 to 2,470 in 2030. Embraer is in negotiations with Aviation Industry Corp. of China to set up a production line in China.
Jackie Chan’s jet is cool. It has a dragon motif painted on it. He says it will help him get around to promotional functions for his charities. I think it helps him look like a badass.
Embraer joins in the news at EBACE when it received an order today and announced at the event that Comlux has placed an order for three of the Embraer Lageacy 650’s with the possibility of increasing the order for 4 more of the aircraft. This marks the very first order for the Legacy 650’s from Embraer from this company. The company only has on hand at present aircraft from Airbus and from Bombardier. Embraer will deliver the first aircraft in December, with the remaining two Legacys to be handed over early next year.
Comlux Kazakhstan currently has four aircraft in its fleet which includes two Bombardier Challenger 605s and two Challenger 805s. The company’s COO, Irina Pay, reported that Comlux is located in a perfect place between Russia and China, which makes it a the best place for a charter operator of its kind. Comlux Kazakhstan also provides aircraft dispatch, ground handling and flight operations services.
It was only a few years ago that Embraer was a minor player in the corporate jet industry with only a 3 percent share. It is making great strides recently in the business aviation industry having gained that number to nearly 20%. The company that is based in Brazil is taking the line of mid-size jets it manufactures in the Legacy 450 and 500 jets, the Phenom light jets and the Legacy 650 jets, Lineage 1000 jets to new levels that they hope will help them gain their goal of a 30% share of the business jet market.
Recently, the company opened a new final assembly facility in Melbourne, Florida, and the CEO of the company, Fred Curado indicated that he was very happy with the manufacturer’s position in the industry of business jets. In fact, he recently revealed that he hopes to expand further.
“I do see Embraer one day venturing into the ultra-long-range, large-cabin business jet segment,”he told AIN in an interview. He stated in that recorded interview, their line would compete “with the [Bombardier] Globals and the larger [Dassault] Falcons,” he said.
These are good signs of growth for the industry and it will be interesting to see if Embraer expands to the levels it seeks in the business aviation industry.
