PNAA conference: Embraer Enhanced E-Jet improves fuel burn by 5%; talks of re-engine

The E175 Enhanced (a step below the full re-engine) will improve fuel burn by 5%, says Tobias Caldas of Embraer at the Pacific Northwest Aerospace Alliance. This includes a redesign winglet and other fuselage/engine PIPs.

Enhancements include new avionics, interior improvements, maintenance cost reductions and noise reductions. Aerodynamic improvements will be forthcoming on the E-190/195. The E1`70 will have a 5% improvement, the E175 will have 5.5%, the E190 3.5% and the E195 4%.

Republic Airways is the launch customer for E-Jet “E” and will operate the plane for American Airlines’ Eagle unit. The order brings the current backlog for the E-Jet to about 150. (Aerospace analysts have been concerned for some time about the shrinking backlog, with production rates exceeding a 1:1 book-to-bill.)

Embraer continues to promote the E_Jet as a right-sizing mainline aircraft in the 90-125 seat segment, with 3,765 forecast as a requirement in the next 20 years in this segment.

The re-engined E-Jet includes a new wing and the Pratt & Whitney GTF engines. EMB is calling the revised airplane the E-Jet Second Generation (E-Jet SG). EMB to formally launch the program this year, with EIS in 2018. The models and size are being defined (though our market sourcing says there will be an eight passenger stretch). EMB says there will be “double digit” fuel burn improvment.

Odds and Ends: 787-10/777X; 737NG engine issues; American-US Airways

787-10/777X: Aspire Aviation has this long analysis of the current status of these developmental programs.

737NG Engine Issues: Aviation Week on February 8 had a report of thrust irregularities on the Boeing 737NG. The Seattle Times reported it on line last night and in print  today. And then the  Seattle media went mad. We’re perplexed. The issue goes back five years, it happened 32 times and not since December when a fix appears to have–fixed it. What’s the big deal?

American-US Airways: The long-awaited merger was announced today and to our great relief, the US Airways management will run the place. American CEO Tom Horton is booted upstairs to non-executive chairman, much as was Glenn Tilton in the United-Continental combination. Unfortunately the AA-US merger keeps the awful tail livery rolled out by Horton a few weeks ago.