Embraer’s latest aircraft, the E195-E2 departed Farnborough on Friday 22 July bound for London City where it demonstrated its steep approach capability.
The landing, in anticipation of the aircraft’s certification for steep approach into the London hub later this year, included ground handling tests and other preparations. It also demonstrates the importance Embraer places being able to offer London City capability to airlines with the E195-E2. The E190-E2 began operations into the UK capital in September 2021. Embraer aircraft account for 85% of all LCY operations on routes including Edinburgh in Scotland and Mykonos in Greece.
Seating up to 146 passengers the aircraft is the largest in the E2 family and the model flown into London City was fuelled with a 39% blend of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and featured the eye-catching black and gold TechLion livery.
“The arrival of the E195-E2 signals that we are on the cusp of welcoming more new generation aircraft that provide world-class environmental performance, carry more passengers and have the potential to connect this airport with more global markets,” said Alison FitzGerald, COO at London City Airport.
She added: “This moment also represents the strength of the partnership we have with Embraer and together we are pushing the envelope of what’s possible at this airport, as at 146 seats and a wingspan of 35 metres, it will be comfortably the largest aircraft to operate from LCY.
“While the immediate focus is on certification, we are hopeful that we will see the first E195-E2 in operation next year with KLM, which will be a real cause of celebration.”
Meanwhile, Arjan Meijer, President and CEO Embraer Commercial Aviation commented: “London City feels like home for Embraer. It is a great airport, not just because it’s fast and efficient for passengers to travel through, but because its unique challenges as an airfield demonstrate the excellent performance of our E-jets. We are immensely proud to be the dominant aircraft brand at LCY and look forward to seeing scheduled services begin with the E195-E2.”
London City’s runway length measures 1,508m and descent angles are up to 5.5 degrees. Currently, 85% of all flights landing or departing the airport are E-Jets or the E190-E2 operated by such carriers as BA Cityflyer, KLM, Cityhopper and Helvetica Airways.
