Embraer (EMB, São José dos Campos U.E. Stumpf International) has announced it now expects its E175-E2 to complete certification and enter commercial service in 2021 instead of 2020.
The Brazilian manufacturer said in an SEC filing that the rescheduling had been brought on by two factors. In the first instance, continued interest in the current generation EMB-175 in the North American market; and in the second, delays in the amendment of scope clauses contained within pilot labour contracts which restrict mainline US carriers from operating 76-seater+ aircraft on certain regional routes.
The EJet-E2 family sits in the 80-92 seater category with the 175 model's maximum take-off weight (MTOW) of 98,436 pounds (44,650 kg). As such, it falls outside current scope clause limitations which restrict capacity providers such as SkyWest Airlines (OO, St. George Municipal) and Trans States Airlines (St. Louis Lambert International) from operating aircraft whose MTOW is no more than 86,000 pounds (39,010 kg) and whose capacity is limited to seventy-six seats.
"The next round of negotiations between the major US airlines and their respective pilot unions is scheduled to occur in 2019 at which time such restrictions may be revisited," Embraer said. "Embraer believes scope clauses will eventually be relaxed in the future as fuel prices increase and airlines look for more efficient products."
As it stands, Embraer says the expected timeframes of certification and entry into service for the E190-E2 and the E195-E2 remain unchanged at 1H2018 and 2019 respectively.
"The Company reiterates that the development and certification program of these aircraft is progressing as expected," it added.
