Aviation

Embraer’s E-Freighter is Certified by the FAA

Embraer’s E190F freighter has officially been certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), marking a significant milestone for the company’s passenger-to-freighter conversion program.

In addition to the aircraft itself, the Cargo Loading System, developed by U.S. Cargo Systems, has also received FAA certification as of September 2024.

The Embraer freighter aircraft can now enter the American market without obstacles, potentially posing a threat to Boeing’s business in the freighter segment of the Boeing 737. Embraer is actively identifying potential opportunities in the cargo market, both in the U.S. and globally. Major cargo operators like FedEx, UPS, and DHL could enhance their operations with these aircraft in regional markets.

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Recently, Embraer gained access to the Chinese market, receiving approval from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) for the E190-E2 and E195-E2 models. This marks a significant milestone in Embraer’s achievements and may encourage other countries to adopt these aircraft. In March 2022, Embraer announced its plans to enter the cargo market by offering conversions of E190 and E195 passenger aircraft into freighters.

These conversions are expected to make their first flights in 2024, with certification anticipated later that year. The E190F will have a payload capacity of 10,700 kg (23,600 lb), while the E195F will be able to carry 12,300 kg (27,100 lb). In May 2023, the company secured its first order for ten aircraft from lessor Nordic Aviation Capital, which will be delivered to Astral Aviation as the launch operator.

In addition to the aircraft, the Cargo Loading System developed by U.S. Cargo Systems received FAA certification in September 2024. This achievement follows the E-Freighter’s certification by Brazil’s National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) in July, with approval from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) expected later this year.

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The E190F freighters will bring notable benefits to the air cargo market, boasting 40% more volume capacity than previous models, three times the range of large cargo turboprops, and up to 30% lower operating costs than larger narrow-body aircraft.

With a maximum structural payload of 13,500 kg when combining capacity under the floor and on the main deck, the E-Freighter is set to play a crucial role in meeting the increasing demand for regional cargo transport.

Aviation

COMAC Unveils Plans for the C929 to Rival Airbus and Boeing

After the success of China’s first C919 aircraft, the country is setting its sights on developing a larger plane. COMAC (Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China) has officially confirmed plans to build a widebody aircraft, marking a significant step in its aircraft lineup.

Traditionally, Airbus and Boeing dominate the widebody aircraft market, with decades of expertise in developing planes and engines capable of carrying heavy payloads. China, which currently relies on imported engines, is now aiming to challenge these giants with its own widebody jet, the C929, designed to compete with the Airbus A350 and Boeing 777.

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The C929 will be China’s first independently developed long-range widebody aircraft. It adheres to international airworthiness standards and boasts independent intellectual property rights. The baseline version is designed to seat 280 passengers and offers a range of 12,000 kilometers, catering to global demand for both regional and international air travel.

Russia, which also needs reliable narrowbody and widebody aircraft, could become a key customer for the C929. Additionally, China plans to target the broader Asian market as it continues to expand its aviation capabilities.

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China’s aviation progress includes the ARJ21 (now called C909), a regional jet with 100 seats for shorter routes, and the C919, a narrowbody jet with 180 seats designed to rival the Boeing 737 MAX and Airbus A320. Both models have found increasing demand in the domestic market.

At China’s largest air show in Zhuhai, COMAC announced that Air China will be the launch customer for the C929 widebody jet, though details about order size and delivery timelines were not disclosed.

Other major deals announced by COMAC include:

Hainan Airlines: Firm orders for 60 C919 and 40 C909 regional jets.
Colorful Guizhou Airlines: 30 C909 jets, with 20 firm orders and 10 provisional agreements.

The C929, renamed from the CR929 after Russia withdrew from the joint development project in 2023, is expected to carry 280–400 passengers with a range of 12,000 kilometers, competing directly with Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner.

According to COMAC’s deputy general manager, Tong Yu, the first fuselage section of the C929 is expected by September 2027, with prototype test flights anticipated soon after.