Embraer has confirmed its participation in the 2024 edition of Airshow China, set to take place in Zhuhai, the largest aerospace exhibition in the country. Since the airshow’s inception in 2003, the Brazilian aerospace company has attended every edition. However, Embraer faces mounting challenges in the Chinese market, where it has struggled to secure new orders in recent years.
Historically, Chinese airlines have purchased Embraer’s commercial and executive jets, and the company even established a joint assembly line in Harbin, which operated from 2004 to 2016. Yet, despite securing type certification for its E190-E2 and E195-E2 aircraft from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), Embraer has yet to receive any orders from Chinese customers.
While the company continues to highlight the competitive advantages of its E195-E2 model, particularly in terms of seating capacity, it faces stiff competition from domestically produced jets. The C919 and C909 (formerly known as the ARJ21), both manufactured by the state-owned COMAC, are prioritized in China and are seen as direct competitors to Embraer’s aircraft, though they do not match the E195-E2’s capacity.
Navigating the Chinese aviation market can be complex, as most of the country’s airlines are controlled by the government, which means securing orders often involves dealing with state entities. Despite these hurdles, Embraer will once again present its Market Outlook for China’s commercial aviation and air cargo sectors at the airshow. This presentation will outline the potential demand for Embraer’s regional jets, particularly the E190F and E195F freighter models, which can be converted from regional jets.
In addition to pitching its aircraft, Embraer is exploring alternative strategies to overcome the challenges it faces in China. The company is looking to collaborate with new suppliers to address supply chain bottlenecks, which have been impacting aircraft deliveries, particularly the E2 series. Embraer CEO Francisco Gomes Neto recently acknowledged that delays are largely due to issues with Pratt & Whitney’s GTF engines, as well as difficulties with sourcing structural parts.
By partnering with Chinese suppliers, Embraer hopes to create an alternative supply chain and potentially open doors to future orders in one of the world’s largest and most competitive aviation markets.
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