Airlines

Embraer and Lanzhou Group Sign for 20 Embraer P2F Conversions

A Letter of Agreement (LoA) for 20 E190F and E195F E-Jet Passenger-to-Freight Conversions (P2F) was signed by Embraer and Lanzhou Aviation Industry Development Group at the 54th Paris Airshow. Embraer and Lanzhou plan to collaborate in order to build E190F and E195F conversion capabilities in Lanzhou, China, which will support and hasten the introduction of E-Jet first-generation freighters to the Chinese market.

Embraer receives First Passenger to Freight Conversion Deal for up to 10 E190F/E195F(Opens in a new browser tab)

Together, the two businesses will use the partnership as a springboard to build their complementary strengths, further the growth of Lanzhou’s aviation sector, and stimulate the local economy around the airport. Lanzhou Group will serve as both the base and the launch customer for Embraer’s P2F conversion in China as of the signing of this LoA.

Embraer forecasts a market demand for 600 freighters in the E-Jets segment over the next 20 years. Among which, the Chinese market is forecasted to need 200 aircraft in the category, accounting for 33% of the global total, powered by demand from the e-commerce and logistics sectors.

Embraer Signs a Firm Contract for up to 10 Passenger to Freight Conversions(Opens in a new browser tab)

The E-Jet P2F conversions from Embraer will have up to 30% cheaper operating costs than narrowbodies, three times the range of large freight turboprops, and a volume capacity that is over 50% higher. The maximum gross structural payload for the E190F and E195F, respectively, is 13,150 kg and 14,300 kg, respectively. when combined with under-floor bulk cargo and main deck. The E190F and E195F can each carry a payload of 23,600 lb (10,700 kg) and 27,100 lb (12,300 kg), respectively, when taking into account the normal e-commerce cargo density.

The P2F program’s two types, the E190 and E195, are some of Embraer’s most popular commercial aircraft ever. There are 85 E-Jet aircraft operating in China at the moment, with Tianjin Airlines, Hebei Airlines, Beibu Gulf Airlines, and Colourful Guizhou Airlines.

Airlines

Qantas Engineers Stage Walkout Over Cost of Living Concerns

Tensions at Qantas reached new heights as base maintenance workers in Brisbane walked out of a hangar meeting hosted by the airline’s CEO, Vanessa Hudson.

The walkout was a clear display of displeasure and aimed to send a strong message to the company’s management about the growing frustrations within the workforce. The workers, represented by the Qantas Engineers Alliance, have been pushing for wage increases that reflect the rising cost of living.

In an open display of displeasure, Qantas Base maintenance workers walked out of a hangar meet hosted by the CEO Vanessa Hudson in Brisbane, also aimed to send a message to the management.

Qantas Engineers Alliance members have been demanding decent wage increases to match with… pic.twitter.com/y9EVjc46VM— FL360aero (@fl360aero) September 14, 2024

Despite ongoing discussions, the employees feel that their concerns have been overlooked, leading to this public show of dissent. The hangar meeting, meant to foster dialogue and address employee concerns, instead became the stage for a visible demonstration of dissatisfaction as the workers exited in unison.

For some time, the engineers and maintenance staff have expressed frustration over wage stagnation amid increasing inflation and living costs. Their demand is simple: a decent and fair wage adjustment that keeps pace with economic realities. The walkout underscores the workers’ determination to stand firm on their request for better pay and fair treatment.

As Qantas navigates its recovery post-pandemic, this incident highlights the growing internal challenges the airline faces, especially concerning its workforce. The maintenance staff’s actions have put additional pressure on the company’s leadership to address the wage concerns and avoid further escalation.