Paris Air Show: Embraer signs agreement with Chinese company for the conversion of twenty E-Jets

Embraer will strengthen its presence in China after signing a letter of agreement (LoA) with Lanzhou Aviation Industry Development Group for the completion of twenty P2F (passenger to freighter) conversions of E190-E2 and E195-E2 aircraft in the city of Lanzhou. The document was signed at the Paris Air Show.

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See also: Paris Air Show: Binter orders six additional Embraer E195-E2

Embraer E-Jets conversions in China

Both companies intend to work together to establish conversion capacity for these models in the China’s northwestern city. According to the Brazilian aircraft manufacturer, this «will support and accelerate the introduction of E-Jet first generation freighters to Chinese market».

«The cooperation will serve as an initial starting point for both companies to leverage their strengths, jointly promote the development of Lanzhou’s air transportation industry, and boost the economy around the airport», Embraer added.

«The opportunity in China had a significant influence during the decision-making process of the launch of our P2F programme», said Arjan Meijer, President and CEO of Embraer Commercial Aviation. «This is a market with increasing demand for cargo aircraft to accommodate the tremendous growth of E-commerce trade and the consequent evolution of the logistics industry», he explained.

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Meijer remarked: «We welcome Lanzhou Group to be the region’s launch customer for Embraer’s P2F conversion, and we expect to bring new vitality to Chinese market with our E-Jets freighters».

«We are honoured to be the launch customer of the Embraer E-Jets freighters in China», said Chen Zhiqiang, President of Lanzhou Aviation Industry Development Group. «By cooperating with industry-leading aircraft manufacturer, Embraer and introducing E-Jets freighters to China, we will fully leverage our domestic strength and competitive advantages to boost China’s air cargo market growth», he said.

The future of the conversion programme

Embraer launched the E190-E2 and E195-E2 P2F conversion programme in March 2022. The company expects the market to demand some 600 aircraft of this type over the next 20 years. In addition, it forecasts that the Chinese market will need about 240, thanks to growing e-commerce activity and associated logistics.

See also: Honeywell to certify avionics changes to Embraer E-Jets freighter conversions