Embraer, the world's third-largest commercial aircraft manufacturer, and Nordic Aviation Capital (NAC), the world's largest regional aircraft leasing company, have agreed to convert up to 10 passenger aircraft to freighter versions.

From passengers to packages

Earlier today, Embraer and NAC announced that they will be converting up to 10 Embraer E190/E195 aircraft to freighter versions, with the first deliveries starting in 2024. NAC will be a launch lessor of Embraer's E-Jet Passenger to Freight (P2F) conversions, and the first converted aircraft will come from NAC's existing fleet.

“We look forward to working with Embraer on developing an operator base for the E-Jet Freighter as cargo conversions are a key element of our full life cycle portfolio strategy for the future.” - Norman C.T. Liu, President and CEO Nordic Aviation Capital

Johann Bordais, President and CEO of Embraer Commercial Aviation, added,

"It’s great to be doing business with NAC, who has always been a strong supporter of Embraer and regional aviation. Having launched the E190F and E195F very recently, today’s announcement with NAC is a strong indicator of the demand we are seeing for our E-Jet freight conversions.”

All the conversions will take place at Embraer in Brazil. The process will include "main deck front cargo door; cargo handling system; floor reinforcement; Rigid Cargo Barrier (RCB) – 9G Barrier with access door; cargo smoke detection system, including class “E” extinguishers in upper cargo compartment; Air Management System changes (cooling, pressurization, etc.); interior removal and provisions for hazardous material transportation." Each aircraft will be able to carry over 23,000 pounds, with the E195F carrying just over 27,000.

World's first E195 freighter

Azul Linhas Aéreas Brasileiras previously converted the world's first Embraer E195 to a freighter. In February, Azul unveiled its first Embraer freighter aircraft to add to its Azul Cargo fleet of Boeing 737 and Cessna Grand Caravan aircraft. The Brazilian airline partnered with LHColus Technologia, a Brazilian aerospace engineering company. Every step of the process was done in-house at Azul, with collaboration from both companies.

Although the freighter was unveiled a few months ago, Azul had been using 195E1 aircraft as freighters since 2020, when ANAC (the Brazilian civil aviation authority) gave airlines authorization to carry additional cargo in the cabin of certain Embraer aircraft. The load capacity of the aircraft more than doubled, from 15,400lbs. to 33,000lbs. According to Azul, the freighter version will help reduce carbon emissions by 17.4 million lbs. each year.

Azul's 195E1 freighter has been the focus of much talk, and many wonder why the aircraft does not have a proper cargo door. This is because the cargo Azul transports in the cabin of the freighter does not require a large door such as the ones on the airline's Boeing 737-400 freighter aircraft. NACs freighter 195E1s will be the first with a 'proper' cargo door.

The Brazilian airline was the 'guinea pig' 195E1 P2F conversion and has proven quite successful and efficient. Azul plans to convert three more 195E1 aircraft to freighters, and clearly, this has been an excellent example for Embraer and NAC to follow.

Do you think the 195E1 is an efficient cargo aircraft? Will we start seeing more around the world?