The E195 is the largest model from the first generation of Embraer's popular E-Jet series. The type entered service with British regional carrier Flybe in September 2006 and is still widely used today. However, did you know that the Brazilian outfit proposed a stretched version? Known as the E195X, it never reached production.
Researched due to demand
Let's start by establishing how the E195X would have been different from the standard E195 had the type reached production. The proposed jet had a planned capacity of around 130 passengers, representing a slight increase on the E195's typical 100-seat two-class and 116 to 124-seat one-class passenger configurations.
To enable this, Embraer planned to stretch the E195's fuselage to accommodate the extra few rows of seats that would have been necessary to meet this capacity requirement. Extra seating played an important role in designing the E195X, as a key driver behind the project was a request from US legacy carrier American Airlines.
Specifically, Embraer reportedly began its work on the E195X in response to the oneworld member's request for an aircraft that could replace its McDonnell Douglas MD-80s. These typically held in the region of 140-155 passengers. As such, Embraer needed to find a way of increasing the E195's lower capacity.
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Range concerns prevent production
However, as Embraer continued to work on the proposed E195X, concerns began to emerge regarding the type's range. According to FlightGlobal, some of these came from potential customers of the aircraft themselves. The airlines were worried that stretching the jet to fit in extra seats would cause its range to drop beyond a point at which the benefits of the increased capacity would outweigh this.
Embraer's CEO at the time, Frederico Curado, stated that,
"What we found out is that the aircraft really becomes too much of an underperformer. Basically, you are trading payload to the detriment of range and performance. The airplane would probably [have a] low acceptance [rate] because of the performance."
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Today's upgraded E195
While Embraer shelved the idea of simply stretching the E195 to increase its capacity, it has since developed a new version of the aircraft. Known as the E195-E2, it is the largest model in the E-Jet E2 series, and it first flew in March 2017. Its two-class capacity is 120 seats, while a one-class setup typically exceeds the E195X's payload. Indeed, the type typically has 132 seats this way, with a maximum of 146.
When it comes to length, the E195-E2 is longer than the standard E195, clocking in at 41.51 meters long compared to 38.66. However, Embraer was able to avoid the side effect of losing range by re-engining the type. This is the case for all E2 jets, which have next-generation Pratt & Whitney PW1000G turbofans.
This move was so effective that the E195-E2 actually outperforms its predecessor in terms of range. Indeed, it can fly for up to 4,917 km (2,655 NM) when full, compared to the original E195's 4,260 km (2,300 NM) range. While the E195 has the fewest deliveries of the first generation E-Jet series, the E195-E2 is comfortably the most popular of the new models. Overall, Omore than 52 E195-E2s are in service across the globe.
Plenty of prospects
Simple Flying has tested out the cabin of the E195-E2 more than once. Notably, in July 2022, we were on board the plane's first-ever flight to London City Airport, witnessing it become the largest aircraft to land at the site. We also flew on the model while in service, heading from Goiânia (GYN) to Campinas (VCP), Brazil, with Azul Linhas Aéreas Brasileiras.
Both experiences proved that the E195-E2 is an excellent solution for Embraer to meet modern industry requirements while catering to increased demand regarding regional air travel. The sleek, fresh, spacious, and comfortable interiors are complemented by efficient and economical equipment, allowing Embraer to cater to passenger needs in this next chapter of aviation.
Did you know about the proposed Embraer E195X aircraft? Have you ever flown on the new E195-E2 model? Let us know your thoughts and experiences with the manufacturer's planes in the comment section.