Air Cargo has been playing a significant role in the global supply chain. When the world came to a halt during the pandemic and movement was restricted, air freighters helped in ensuring the transportation of the essentials across the globe. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) stated that air cargo transports over $6 trillion worth of goods, accounting for approximately 35 per cent of world trade by value. Air Cargo is extensively used across industries, sectors and geographic regions. Ever since the world was exposed to online shopping, the cargo activities started witnessing a notable boom.

The new E190F and E195F freighter aircraft which “have the speed, flexibility and capacity to ensure operators keep on delivering round the clock”

Many airlines had converted their passenger planes to cargo and made use of this opportunity during the otherwise ceased operations. Brazilian manufacturer, Embraer also noted that air freight is vital to the global economy - an economy which is diversifying and changing fast. “Supply chains are shortening and becoming more spread out. E-commerce sales and online shopping are growing and becoming bigger than ever. More and more people are working from home, choosing to live in areas away from large and crowded urban centres,” it added. In line with that the manufacturer has recently introduced the new E190F and E195F freighter aircraft which “have the speed, flexibility and capacity to ensure operators keep on delivering round the clock”.

In response to the explosive growth in e-commerce and increased demand for cargo capacity, especially to smaller markets, we’ve developed a programme to convert pre-owned E190s and E195s from passenger jets to freighters, announced the manufacturer. Embraer further added, “We’ve just launched a new freighter programme that will right-size the cargo industry with E-Jets.”

Embraer specified that rather than simple quick-change procedures in which seats are removed from passenger cabins, its E-Jet freighters have structural modifications. The overhead bins have been removed, new smoke detection and fire suppression systems have been included, the main deck floor has been reinforced with a cargo handling system, and there is a new forward cargo door. The first deliveries are planned for 2024.

The E-Jet freighters come with the ability to offer optimised loading configurations. Cargo carriers can therefore maximise efficiency by better matching capacity to demand. The E-Jet freighters also promise to offer greater frequency and better operating economics in smaller markets than larger aircraft.

Combining under-floor bulk cargo and main deck, the maximum gross structural payload for the E-jets is 13,150 kg for the E190F and 14,300 kg for the E195F. Considering typical e-commerce cargo density and main deck configured with ULDs, the net weights and volumes are also impressive:

The range and payload capacity of the E195F is similar to the B737-300SF (nearly 2,500 nm) yet the E195F burns less fuel, generates fewer emissions, and has lower maintenance and cash operating costs.

Embraer boasts its E-Jet freighter conversion programme as another example of an innovative solution to an emerging market opportunity. These E-Jets, in fact, claim to bring the concept of right-sizing to the cargo industry by tapping the gap between turboprop and larger narrow body freighters.

“Cargo airlines can now put right-capacity E190F and E195F freighters on the right routes with the right frequency and right economics. Moreover, airlines can now access new smaller markets while deploying their larger aircraft on routes where they are more economical,” Embraer added.

E-JETS FREIGHTER FACT FILE

Source: Embraer Commercial Aviation

The manufacturer highlighted the following key advantages that the E-Jets bring along.

• Flexibility: Positioned in the market to fill the gap between turboprops and larger narrowbody, our new freighters have the flexibility to adapt to changing market trends.
• Efficiency: The E190F and E195F are the ideal aircraft to take over larger aircraft operations that are sub-optimally deployed both in terms of weight and volume. They also enable expanded coverage of timedefinite services to more places than before and wherever people are.
• Rightsized: E-Commerce demands fast deliveries and decentralised operations – something that a rightsized fleet of crossover jets like the E190F and E195F can offer versus larger aircraft.
• Compatibility: Full integration with pallets used in bigger aircraft allows for a smooth addition on current operational, but not necessarily optimised fleets.
• Sustainable Operations: Being younger, more fuel-efficient aircraft, the E190F and E195F can carry similar volume as their larger counterparts with much lower emissions – and smaller operational costs.

Embraer boasts its E-Jet freighter conversion program as another example of an innovative solution to an emerging market opportunity

For an increasing number of global operators, the time is right to replace their fleet of ageing, less efficient freighters with the latest aircraft, like the E190F and E195F, Embraer nudged.

The global response to the COVID-19 pandemic is a primary example of the importance of air cargo services across the globe. Major cargo airlines have served as key elements of vaccine distribution chains thus far. The low storage temperatures required for vaccines drive fast and efficient travel. Air Cargo’s speed and cost-effectiveness is expected to continue saving lives and connecting the world, alongside boosting industries like pharma and e-commerce. In that Embraer putting up its new freights E-Jets in the market is a timely and well thought move that is likely to expanse the manufacturer’s presence in the global aviation landscape.