Embraer approves second pause in E175-E2 programme
February 26, 2025
Embraer’s board of directors have approved an additional four-year pause in the development of the E175-E2 programme, citing ongoing US maximum take-off weight (MTOW) and scope clause discussions as among the reasons for the extended hiatus. The programme would now appear to be effectively shelved until at least early 2029.
Formal recognition of the hiatus reflects the comments made by Embraer CEO and president of commercial Aviation, Arjan Meijer, in June 2024; suggesting that the E-175-E2 was “on pause,” with its primary US market preferring the existing E175 variant. This is the second such development suspension, building on an earlier decision taken in February 2022 to pause the programme (citing market conditions and regulatory challenges).
“The re-programming of activities remains associated with the ongoing US mainline scope clause discussions with the pilot unions regarding the MTOW limitation for aircraft with up to 76 seats, together with current global market conditions for commercial aviation and the continuing interest in the current E175 jet in the US market,” disclosed Embraer in a securities filing.
A scope clause – imposed by pilots’ unions – defines the type or the scope of work certain pilots can perform, which in the case of the regional US market, is capped at 76-seat aircraft. Crucially, a 86,000lb maximum take off weight (MTOW) limit is also imposed; limiting the potential of the larger and heavier E175-E2.
Able to seat up to 90 passengers, the E175-E2 (first unveiled in 2013) is the smallest variant in the Embraer E-Jets family, albeit with a MTOW of around 98,100 lbs (far succeeding its predecessor’s MTOW of 89,000 lbs). However, alongside a redesigned wing and the addition of a fly-by-wire control system, its Pratt & Whitney GTF PW1700G engines – while more fuel-efficient – also help contribute to its higher overall weight. With restricted access to the US regional market, pending a regulatory update or elevated demand elsewhere, the E175-E2 programme currently faces limited commercial opportunities.
