TBM Staff - Mumbai
Embraer has obtained 120-minute Extended Twin-Engine Operations (ETOPS) approval for both the E190-E2 and E195-E2 aircraft from Brazil’s Civil Aviation Authority ANAC (Agência Nacional de Aviação Civil), the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration), and the EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency). This significant achievement opens pathways for E2 operators to conduct direct, unrestricted flights over water and remote regions, resulting in substantial time and fuel savings.
The authorisation of ETOPS-120 underscores the exceptional design and system maturity of the aircraft. Achieving ETOPS certification necessitates the collective accumulation of flying hours by the operational fleet. Delays in obtaining ETOPS certification for the E2 were primarily attributed to the global pandemic, which markedly reduced aircraft operations, consequently slowing down the accrual of necessary flying hours.
Arjan Meijer, President and CEO, Embraer Commercial Aviation, emphasised the importance of ETOPS as a pivotal enhancement for the E2, particularly in bolstering sales, especially within the Asia Pacific region. Airlines operating routes with diversion times of up to 120 minutes will benefit from more direct, efficient routes, along with increased access to alternate airports. ETOPS capability further optimises the E2, already renowned as the most fuel-efficient aircraft in its class.
