By Staff Correspondent
Embraer, the world’s largest non-western aircraft supplier and the third-largest civil aircraft manufacturer after Airbus and Boeing, is making significant efforts to strengthen its position in the expanding narrow-body passenger jet market in China and India. The Brazilian firm aims to produce and deliver almost 100 planes annually with up to 150 seats by 2025, a 75% increase from the previous year’s deliveries.
Embraer’s expansion strategy comes at a time when tensions between China and the United States have led to constraints in American aircraft exports to Beijing. The recent decoupling between the two rivals is expected to further impact aviation trade, as China has traditionally been the largest buyer of Boeing jets.
The Brazillian aircraft manufacturer has capitalised on this opportunity by setting up deliveries of its newest E2 series commercial jet, the E190-E2, to China after receiving type certification from Chinese authorities. The company is also in talks with India to supply passenger jets to Indian airlines by 2024, targeting the fastest-growing aviation market in the world.
In addition, Embraer is exploring opportunities to deliver warplanes to India and potentially open a manufacturing facility with a local partner. India has expressed interest in collaborating with international aircraft manufacturers to produce small planes domestically, as many airports in the country’s civil aviation Regional Connectivity Scheme are not equipped to handle narrow-body aircraft from Airbus and Boeing.
Market research predicts a strong demand for passenger aircraft with 150 seats or fewer in the Asia-Pacific region, including China and India. Embraer foresees significant sales opportunities in the Asia-Pacific market and aims to capture a substantial share of the estimated 8,500 units globally, with at least 2,200 of them from the region.
With its strategic focus on China and India, Embraer is positioning itself as a key player in Asia’s growing aviation market, leveraging its expertise and capabilities to meet the rising demand for commercial aircraft in the region and reduce dependence on traditional aircraft manufacturers.
