Embraer’s latest outlook for the Chinese commercial aviation market, released at the Zhuhai Airshow in China, predicts the rate of new aircraft deliveries over the next 20 years, based on passenger demand for air travel in the post-epidemic era. The report forecasts that 1,445 new aircraft in the up to 150-seat category will be needed in the region through 2040, with 77% of the deliveries fulfilling market growth, and 23% replacing ageing aircraft.
“During the pandemic, small and medium-sized aircraft and regional flights were instrumental in the quick recovery of connectivity in China. Our E-Jets were among the first aircraft types to restore flight frequencies across airline networks,” said Guo Qing, managing director and VP of commercial aviation at Embraer China. “In the post epidemic era, building a more efficient air transport system is of vital importance. The market calls for a more balanced fleet profile and route network structure to serve more secondary markets. That’s why we believe for the next 20 years, aircraft with up to 150 seats will fully release their potential.”
The Chinese government recently announced a series of infrastructure developments that includes around 200 new airports to encourage and promote industrial relocation. Embraer says the importance of regional aircraft will continue to increase after the Covid-19 pandemic, playing a key role in launching new services to these airports and developing demand.
Currently, there are 91 E-Jets in operation in China, flying across 550 routes, connecting 150 cities at home and abroad. They transport some 20 million passengers annually, connecting regional and trunk routes in east, north, northwest and southwest of China.
“China’s civil aviation Passenger Revenue Kilometers (RPK) will enjoy a 4.7% CAGR growth through the decade, signalling China’s lead in the aviation recovery,” said Arjan Meijer, president and CEO of Embraer Commercial Aviation. “We believe the Chinese aviation market will become world’s largest in the future. Embraer has already built a strong and positive presence on the market, providing a solid foundation for our most advanced jet, the E2.”
