Embraer has secured approval for two of its aircraft types to operate more direct routes by being able to fly to remote locations and over water. This will offer both economic and environmental benefits.
Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer has secured 120-minute extended twin-engine operations (ETOPS) approval for its E190-E2 and E195-E2 aircraft.
The move is set to make Embraer’s E2-family jets more appealing for airline operators due to the added benefits the E2 jets can offer with new ETOPS certification.
ETOPS CERTIFICATION
According to Simpleflying, ETOPS is an acronym for “Extended-range Twin-engine Operational Performance Standards.”
These standards determine how long an aircraft can fly from a diversionary airport with only one engine, in the event of an emergency.
Hence, ETOPS 90 or 180 denotes the time (in minutes) an aircraft can fly in cruise conditions with only one engine operating.
EMBRAER’S ETOPS APPROVALS
Embraer’s E2 jets have been awarded ETOPS certification, opening up more efficient route opportunities over water and to remote locations.
These approvals have been granted by Brazilian, US and European regulators. Brazil’s Civil Aviation Authority ANAC (Agência Nacional de Aviação Civil), the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration), and EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency) have all given the green light.
This certification will enable airlines operating Embraer’s E2 planes to fly direct non-limiting routes.
VARIOUS BENEFITS
Ultimately, this will cut costs for airlines flying the models, via reduced fuel burn.
It will cut travel times for passengers who will be able to reach their destinations faster.
Furthermore, there are also environmental benefits.
Since less fuel is burned during shorter, more direct flights, carbon emissions are reduced.
“ETOPS is an important additional capability for the E2, and a key enabler for more sales, especially in Asia Pacific. Airlines flying routes with up to 120 minute diversion time will be able to use straighter, quicker and more fuel efficient routes, and have access to more diversion airports. ETOPS capability is a further optimisation of the E2, already the most fuel efficient aircraft in its segment.”
Arjan Meijer, President and CEO, Embraer Commercial Aviation
MAJOR EMBRAER MILESTONE
The granting of ETOPS-120 capability is testimony to Embraer’s aircraft designs and the maturity of their systems.
According to data from ch-aviation, there are currently over 100 E2 aircraft in active service worldwide.
ALSO READ: Spain set to ban flights on short domestic routes
