Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer has received certification for its E195-E2 jet from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), allowing it to begin sales of the aircraft in the country. 

Certification for the largest aircraft in the manufacturer’s E-Jet family comes after the company’s most recent 20-year outlook forecast a strong growth rate for the Asia Pacific market, especially with increasing demand for the up-to-150-seat sector in China. 

Embraer Commercial Aviation president and CEO Arjan Meijer said: “There are significant opportunities for the E2 in China, which offers complementary capacity to China’s indigenous ARJ21 and C919 aircraft. Combined, they provide flexible, efficient and eco-friendly options for Chinese airlines, meeting the demand of the world’s fast-growing air transportation market.” 

The E195-E2 model can accommodate between 120 and 146 passengers and is touted as the “most fuel-efficient single-aisle aircraft flying today”.

It has also been tested on 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and is capable of emitting 85% fewer carbon emissions than previous models if using SAF. 

Embraer also previously welcomed certification for its E190-E2 model, the first in the E2 family, by the CAAC back in November of last year. 

At the same time, the E195 made its first appearance in China with a showcase at the Zhuhai Airshow, where it exhibited its capabilities to the Chinese market and was highlighted as the “most environmentally efficient aircraft in its class”. 

Embraer China managing director and vice-president of commercial aviation Guo Qing said the E2 family has an opportunity in the country as it moves closer to carbon neutrality: “With both the Chinese and Brazilian governments reiterating their support for Embraer’s activities in China during Brazilian President Lula’s state visit to China, I’m very optimistic about the opportunities in China.” 

As Meijer noted, the E2 jets will compete in the same areas as China’s homegrown passenger jets at a time when the country is hoping to get its own manufacturing industry off the ground. 

Earlier this year, the 158-192-seat C919, built by the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China, made its debut commercial flight as the country’s first domestically produced passenger jet, though the majority of the aircraft’s parts are sourced from overseas.