Aviation

Embraer’s KC-390 Takes Center Stage at Farnborough Airshow

Sweden Becomes First Northern European Buyer of Embraer’s C-390 Millennium

As the Farnborough International Airshow approaches, set to run from July 22-26, Embraer is gearing up to make a notable impact in the aviation and aerospace industry.

Celebrating its 55th anniversary this year, Embraer will present a diverse portfolio of advanced aircraft, underscoring its significant role in both commercial and defense sectors.

One of the highlights of Embraer’s showcase will be the C-390 Millennium, a versatile military tactical transport aircraft that has already gained substantial attention from global defense markets.

Alongside it, the A-29 Super Tucano, renowned for its effectiveness in light attack and counterinsurgency missions, will also be on display. The show will feature two C-390s, representing the aircraft’s first two customers: Brazil and Portugal.

Aircraft comparison Brazil’s KC-390 vs Japan’s Kawasaki C-2:Click here

The C-390 Millennium has made notable strides in its market reach, with 40 commitments secured for the turbofan-powered aircraft. On June 26, Embraer delivered the second of five C-390s to the Portuguese Air Force.

These aircraft are equipped to NATO standards, including Link 16 and NATO-compatible communications and encryption systems. The C-390 has identified NATO countries, along with India, Saudi Arabia, and the United States, as strategic markets, highlighting its global appeal and versatility.

Embraer’s Three Game-Changing Aircraft at Farnborough Airshow Could Disrupt Boeing, Airbus:Click here

Additionally, Eve Air Mobility will provide updates on its electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicle and the Urban Air Traffic Management software Vector. Attendees can experience a full-size eVTOL cabin mockup and engage in a unique virtual reality (VR) flight experience.

The C-390 Millennium is positioned to capture a significant share of the defense aviation market, and Embraer’s optimism about its future is evident in their showcase at the Farnborough International Airshow. This event promises to be a pivotal moment for Embraer, reaffirming its innovative approach and strategic vision in the global aerospace arena.

Aviation

Airbus Enhances A350 Cabin with 10-Abreast Seating

Airbus has announced a new partnership with Jiatai Aircraft Equipment, a Chinese aircraft seating manufacturer, to supply upgraded economy-class seats for the A350 widebody series.

This collaboration, unveiled at the 2024 Airshow China, focuses on developing a newly designed economy seat tailored for the A350‘s New Production Standard (NPS) cabin.

One of the key features of the NPS cabin is the ability to accommodate 17-inch wide economy seats, compared to the previous 16.5-inch wide seats that airlines were limited to in the A350’s earlier configurations.

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This change is made possible by the expanded space in the NPS cabin, which is 35 inches longer and 4 inches wider than the previous version. This extra space is achieved by slightly moving the cockpit wall forward and shifting the rear pressure bulkhead back by one frame.

The wider cabin allows airlines to add up to 30 extra economy seats without compromising comfort. For airlines opting for a 3-4-3 seating layout, the 17-inch wide seats are an excellent choice for a more comfortable passenger experience. However, some airlines, such as Iberia, may choose to retain a 9-abreast layout with wider seats for added comfort.

The NPS cabin also offers enhanced flexibility for airline operators. One major advantage is the ability to easily switch between a 9-abreast and 10-abreast seating configuration without requiring significant downtime for aircraft reconfiguration. Airlines can use the same seat rails, tracks, and IFE interfaces, making the transition smoother and quicker.

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In addition, the design of the floor attachments and air-conditioning systems has been optimized for 10-abreast seating, meaning airlines can upgrade their cabins without needing to make substantial modifications to the aircraft’s structure.

Though it’s still unclear when Jiatai’s economy-class seats will be officially added to the A350’s Buyer Furnished Equipment (BFE) catalogue, the collaboration marks a significant step toward enhancing the A350’s cabin offerings.

With this partnership, Airbus is providing more seating options for airlines, ensuring that they can meet diverse customer needs while improving overall operational efficiency.