Brazilian aerospace manufacturer Embraer estimates it will deliver nearly 1,500 new 150-seat aircraft to the Chinese market by 2040, with regional airlines leading demand.
Seventy-seven per cent are expected to supply the expansion of the Chinese market and 23 per cent will replace existing aircraft, according to data from a study released by Embraer during the Zhuhai Airshow, the 13th China International Aerospace Aviation Exhibition, last week.
“During the pandemic, small and medium-sized aircraft, as well as regional flights, were instrumental in the rapid recovery of connectivity in China. Our E-Jets were one of the first aircraft models to restore frequencies to companies’ air networks,” commented Guo Qing, executive director and vice president of Commercial Aviation at Embraer China.
Embraer noted that the Chinese government recently announced a series of infrastructure development initiatives that include around 200 new airports to encourage industrial relocation.
“The importance of regional aircraft will continue to increase after Covid-19, playing a key role in launching new services to these airports and in growing demand,” Embraer said.
Embraer estimated that revenue measured in number of passengers per kilometre in Chinese civil aviation should grow at an average rate of 4.7 per cent over the next decade, signalling the country’s leading role in the recovery of aviation.
“We believe that the Chinese aviation market will become the largest in the world. Embraer has built a strong and positive presence in the region, providing a solid foundation for our most advanced jet, the E2,” said Arjan Meijer, President and CEO of Embraer Commercial Aviation.
Embraer delivered 110 aircraft to Chinese airlines in recent years and is currently working on an order for 10 more from ICBC (China).