Brazilian aerospace company Embraer has announced the launch of the E-Jet E190/ E195 Freighter conversion program yesterday. Targeting a niche market between smaller turboprop aircraft and larger narrow body freighters, the E-Jet Freighters offers flexibility, compatibility and fuel efficiency above its nearest competitors.
The E190/ E195 Freighters features new structural modifications to the existing airframe, including a new forward cargo door, a cargo handling system and a reinforced main deck. For the interior, overhead bins will be removed, and new smoke detection and fire suppression systems installed.
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.
In total, an E190F can be configured to carry 7 ULDs on the main deck + under floor could carry 3,632ft3 (23,608lb) while the E195F could carry 8 ULDs on the main deck + under floor could carry 4,171ft3 (27,112lb)
The range and payload capacity of the E195F is similar to the B737-300SF (nearly 2,500 nm), but the E195F burns less fuel, generates fewer emissions, and has lower maintenance and operating costs.
With over 700 E190/E195s in service, the market potential for a Freighter conversion program to support the ever growing market demands of e-commerce and logistics is present. The E-Jet conversion program presents an innovative solution to an emerging market opportunity, bringing the concept of right-sizing to the cargo industry by positioning the E-Jet Freighters in a unique market segment, thus allowing airlines to access new markets with the right frequency and right economics.