Aviation

Embraer is planning to launch a freighter aircraft.

Embraer launches freighter conversion programme

We’ve just launched a new freighter program that will right-size the cargo industry with E-Jets. In response to the explosive growth in e-commerce and increased demand for cargo capacity, especially to smaller markets, we’ve developed a program to convert pre-owned E190s and E195s from passenger jets to freighters. First deliveries are planned for 2024.

Rather than simple quick-change procedures in which seats are removed from passenger cabins, our E-Jet freighters have structural modifications. Over head bins are removed, there are new smoke detection and fire suppression systems, the main deck floor is reinforced and has a cargo handling system, and there is a new forward cargo door.

What really makes the E-Jet freighters attractive is their ability to offer optimized loading configurations. Cargo carriers can therefore maximize efficiency by better matching capacity to demand. The E-Jet freighters offer greater frequency and better operating economics in smaller markets than larger aircraft..

How much can our E-Jets freighters carry? Combining under-floor bulk cargo and main deck ULD or pallet capacity, the weights and volumes are impressive:

cargo

The range and payload capacity of the E195F is similar to the B737-300SF (nearly 2,500 nm) yet the E195F burns less fuel, generates fewer emissions, and has lower maintenance and cash operating costs.

Emirates Orders Two Boeing 777 Freighters

Our E-Jet freighter conversion program is another example of an innovative solution to an emerging market opportunity. They are, in fact, bringing the concept of right-sizing to the cargo industry by tapping the gap between turboprop and larger narrow body freighters.

Cathay Pacific becomes second operator of the A350-1000 widebody

Cargo airlines can now put right-capacity E190F and E195F freighters on the right routes with the right frequency and right economics. Moreover, airlines can now access new smaller markets while deploying their larger aircraft on routes where they are more economical.

Qatar Airways interested in Boeing 777X freighter version

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.