In February 1987, a significant challenge for Boeing appeared on the scene. Airbus celebrated with a ceremony in Toulouse, France, the first flight of the Airbus A320a narrow body aircraft intended to compete directly with the Boeing 737. 37 years have passed since then and both proposals have established themselves as fundamental pillars of commercial aviation.
Single-aisle aircraft from the aforementioned manufacturers dominate the skies. However, the Brazilian firm Embraer has been carrying out internal evaluations to determine if it has the capacity, technological knowledge and manufacturing power to enter this market with its own alternative. At least according to sources consulted by The Wall Street Journal.
A competitor for Boeing and Airbus
The American newspaper says that the São Paulo-based company could develop an aircraft that competes with the families’ successors Boeing 737 MAX and Airbus A320. Although before embarking on such a project they should consider a huge number of factors, including the development budget, which can be billions of dollars, suppliers and manufacturing partners.
While this move might seem wise at a time when Boeing is going through a crisis, the results will take time to arrive. The development of a new aircraft usually takes a decade, so the presumed Airbus model would enter service in the mid-to-late 2030s, if the company decides to give the green light to the project. Publicly, it should be noted, they have denied such efforts.
“We certainly have the capacity to develop a new narrow-body aircraft,” said an Embraer spokesperson, although he added that they have not planned start a new project right now. The company says it is focused on selling its existing models. Despite these statements, Embraer’s possible ambitions to enter this market could be there.
Boeing 737 Max
The largest aircraft offered by the Brazilian manufacturer at the moment is the Embraer E2-195. This is a recent development that entered service approximately five years ago and can carry a maximum of 146 passengers. The company also has another very popular aircraft, the Embraer E175, a model that can carry around 78 passengers and is gaining ground on regional flights.
Without going any further, American Airlines Group announced the purchase of up to 133 of these aircraft to renew part of its fleet in the United States. Deliveries will start in 2025 and, when completed, will have replaced all previous units in the US airline’s regional flight segment. The objective, they explain, is to have newer and more efficient aircraft.
If Embraer finally decides to start a project to enter the narrow-body aircraft market, it will find itself competing with industry giants. The Brazilian firm has a $5 billion market capitalization. Airbus is worth $137 billion and Boeing, despite its latest problems, 109 billion dollars.
Images | Airbus | Boeing | Embraer
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