Embraer intends to launch a new turboprop aircraft beginning next year, eyeing a commercial aviation market segment dominated by De Havilland Canada and French manufacturer, ATR.
Arjan Meijer, chief executive of Embraer Commercial Aviation was quoted by Flightglobal saying Embraer has been “more and more vocal” in recent months over its intentions for the market.
“Embraer is still very much focused on the segment. We are still working on a turboprop and hope to launch the programme in 2022. Embraer selected the turboprop as the platform for the future. It will really stand apart from the products out there today,” said Meijer.
The new design fuselage will be from E-Jet family with service entry likely to be in 2027-2028. If the project goes into production, it will be the first time since 2001 that Embraer had made turboprop planes.
The Brazilian airframer stopped the production of its Embraer Brasilia EMB120 – its first turboprop – after close to 20 years. The aircraft was first launched in 1983 and went into service in 1985 and was capable of carrying 30 passengers.
Emb120 was fitted with two Pratt and Whitney Canada PW118/118A/118B engines equipped with Hamilton Standard 14RF-9 blades.
By Victor Shalton Odhiambo
