Embraer launched an offensive to send a large number of E-Jets to its customers in the last quarter of 2020. This is shown by data compiled by the Planespotters website, which points out that the Brazilian planemaker would have delivered 31 aircraft in that period against just 16 units by September.
After checking the information, we understand that five of these planes may have been considered delivered in September, which would show that Embraer handed over 26 jets between October and December – 21 E175, four E195-E2 and one E190-E2.
Embraer, however, should only reveal the final 2020 figures in late January. The company, which has shares on the stock exchange, is prohibited by law from disclosing official information without prior notice.
The effort to accelerate deliveries by the E-Jet family began in late September with the dispatch of five E175s to United Express, followed by another similar batch two weeks later, according to Planespotters.
After delivering just four airplanes in November, including two E2 jets, Embraer boosted deliveries in December, especially on December 10 and 23. On the first date, six E175s arrived in the US to join the United Express fleet. On the eve of Christmas, the manufacturer delivered four E175s to Delta Connection and three E195-E2s, one of them the first for Belavia.
Third place threatened
If these deliveries are confirmed by Embraer, the manufacturer will have delivered only 42 commercial jets in 2020, less than half of the volume in 2019, when 89 aircraft were handed over to its customers. Airframer celebrates the fact that there were no significant cancellations, however, the order backlog is at an extremely low level, of around 275 aircraft, the worst result in the last five years.
Deliveries are expected to rise again in 2021 as more airlines allow new planes to be dispatched, but such large figures should not be expected. Meanwhile, COMAC is expected to expand its production and get closer to Embraer, threatening the position of the third largest manufacturer of commercial aircraft in the world.
The Chinese planemaker concluded 2020 with 24 deliveries of the ARJ21 model and is expected to start serial production of the C919, the most advanced jetliner ever produced in the country and which is guaranteed to be in demand on Chinese airlines.
