As air transportation has several segments, domestic, international, regional, charter, cargo, etc, there isn’t a one-size fits all aircraft. Each has a distinctive role even if sometimes they overlap. Regional aviation (airlines and airports) is gaining in prominence as the need to connect smaller towns to the cities is so intrinsic to overall development of a country. Such feeder service is provided by either a regional jet or a turboprop aircraft. A regional jet is one that has a range of short to medium-haul turbofan powered aircraft.

It was in the 1950s and 1960s that a small number of jets entered service, notably the Sud Aviation Caravelle, Fokker F-28 and Yak-040, but they could not really compete with the turboprops which scored on fuel efficiency. It was only later that the first generation turbofan powered regional jets as the first-generation Bombardier CRJ became known, started making waves. However, it was the BAe-146 produced by BAE Systems, which is considered a true short-range jet, providing service from city centre to city centre where low noise and excellent take-off performance were paramount. Not just that operational cost came into play.

That saw the birth of the Bombardier’s twin-engine Canadair Regional Jet (CRJ) with a range large enough to fill mid-range routes as well, routes previously served by larger aircraft such as the Boeing 737 and DC-9. The success of CRJ led to competition and soon came the Embraer ERJ 145 from Brazil. The dynamics of regional jets were changing fast, syncing to customer needs, both airline operators and passengers. These two major airframers have been in a neck-and-neck race on addressing the needs of regional aviation. The ERJ’s success led to a totally new version, the Embraer E-Jets series and Bombardier’s response to that has been the CSeries which is being developed. And market forces have helped generate innovative ideas and the latest one hears is that of Embraer with E2 version.

CRJ Most Successful Regional Aircraft Programme

For medium-haul applications, the CRJ NextGen family of aircraft is a benchmark for regional jet efficiency in the 60- to 99-seat segment, offering low operating costs, reduced environmental impact and enhanced cabin interiors. With over 1,800 CRJ aircraft delivered worldwide, Bombardier’s CRJ Series family of regional jets which entered service in 1992 is recognised as the most successful regional aircraft programme in the world.

With a common engine, advanced avionics, light-weight and advanced aerodynamics, every jet in the CRJ family is designed to deliver significantly improved efficiency, excellent airfield performance and low fuel consumption. Bombardier virtually revolutionised commercial air transportation with this unparalleled family of 60- to 99-seat jets, optimised for medium-haul routes. With the lowest operating cost in its class, proven reliability, reduced environmental footprint, enhanced interiors and commonality advantage, CRJ aircraft are ideal for market growth and development.

The CRJ NextGen aircraft introduced new technologies, new thinking, and new performance to regional aviation. The CRJ NextGen family of commercial aircraft delivers best in class economics – in fact, every CRJ aircraft version delivers five to 15 per cent cash operating cost advantage over competing jets. In addition, the CRJ NextGen maintenance plan contributes to operating cost reduction with increased maintenance intervals and simplified maintenance tasks. And with more than one CRJ aircraft version, operators enjoy substantial savings and the flexibility of having a mixed aircraft fleet with a common group of pilots. Bombardier CRJ NextGen aircraft are as environmentally responsible as they are profitable, leading the way in environmental standards, with a lower overall environmental footprint. Along with the advantage of reduced community noise levels, every member of the CRJ family has the lowest emissions in its class. The CRJ NextGen aircraft’s lightweight and highly efficient aerodynamics provide the best fuel burn and lowest greenhouse gas emissions in its class.

Every inch of the CRJ NextGen aircraft interior has been carefully considered to maximise efficiency and passenger comfort. The enhanced NextGen cabin offers new overhead bins to accommodate more carry-on baggage and new lighting and window design increase light and contribute to an overall enhanced sense of spaciousness – all contributing to a better travel experience and a high satisfaction rate among passengers.

Embraer Building on Success

From ERJ to E-Jets, Embraer is moving up notches with plans to introduce E-Jets E2. It unveiled the cabin mock-up of the E2 at the Farnborough International Airshow recently. It has lined up E-Jets 175 E2, E-Jets 190 E2 and E-Jets 195 E2. The first E-Jet E2 is slated for delivery in the first half of 2018.

The full fly-by-wire (FBW) systems and other features make the aircraft to perform optimally. The fourth-generation FBW on the E2 improves flying qualities and boosts fuel efficiency. The E2 will take advantage of the FWB expertise developed by Embraer for the E-Jets, Legacy 500 and the KC-390. E2 three-axis closed loop system improves aircraft stability during turbulence and provides complete envelope protection in all phases of flight. The system is also designed to maximise fuel efficiency. The closed loop configuration allows the E2 empennage to be smaller thus reducing aircraft drag and weight.

Pratt & Whitney PurePower Geared Turbofan Engine E2’s new GTF engines — the PW1700G (E175-E2) and PW1900G (E190-E2 and E195-E2) — have an advanced gear system that allows the engine’s fan to operate at a different speed than the low-pressure compressor and turbine.

Classy Interiors

A look inside E2 reveals thoughtful, well-conceived design that has the power to please from all perspectives. A totally new environment far exceeds the norm and thoughtfully addresses the varied needs of passengers, crew, airlines and leasing companies alike. The passenger-preferred 2x2 configuration gives a perception of wider aisles while simplifying movement through the cabin. The position of bin doors when open, coupled with dramatic ceiling illumination, creates a sense of height and space above the aisle.

Embraer is investing about $1.7 billion in the E2 programme, compared with a $4.4 billion development plan for Bombardier’s CSeries. The smallest E2 plane will have maximum seating for 90, a step up in size for a company that once sold 37-seaters among its pioneering regional jets in the 1990s.

SSJ100 Optimum Performance

Sukhoi Superjet (SSJ100) is the first airliner in which engine and airframe have been designed together to optimise performance. The SSJ100 – a fusion of Russia’s famed aviation design and production skills with the latest systems from leading aerospace suppliers around the world – offers standards of economy, performance, environmental efficiency and passenger comfort never before seen in a 100-seat airliner.

The SSJ100 is a 100-seat regional jet designed, developed and built by Sukhoi Civil Aircraft Company (SCAC) in partnership with Alenia Aermacchi, a Finmeccanica Company. On May 19, 2008, SSJ100 successfully accomplished its first flight. The SSJ100 is certified by European EASA, Russian IAC AR and Mexican, Laos and Indonesian Civil Aviation Authorities. In 2011 the first production SSJ100 entered service. It is the first 100-seat jet with a full FBW system, designed to optimise handling, reduce flight crew workload, and maximise fuel efficiency.

The SSJ100 emits about 1.5 tonnes of CO₂ less per trip compared to its direct competitor. The high-tech long-duct nacelles carrying the SaM146 engines are designed to optimise acoustic performance, with the result that the SSJ100 meets ICAO Chapter 4 noise regulations – meaning that it is permitted to operate from any airport.

MRJ Next-Gen Regional Jet

The Mitsubishi Regional Jet (MRJ) is the next-generation regional jet which will offer both top-class operational economy and outstanding cabin comfort. By featuring a game-changing engine, state-of-the-art aerodynamic design and noise analysis technology, the MRJ will significantly cut fuel consumption, noise and emissions. The MRJ will have a four-abreast seat configuration, with large overhead bins, and also feature a slim seat that offers heightened comfort to passengers. The MRJ family consists of the MRJ90 (90-seat class) and the MRJ70 (70-seat class). These aircraft have common wings, empennage, engines and systems. In addition, they have commonalities in pilot type rating, maintenance programme and spare parts.

Though the programme has been delayed, Mitsubishi Aircraft Corporation is confident that it will address the needs of regional airlines. The MRJ is expected to have its first flight in the second quarter of 2015 and first delivery in second quarter of 2017.

Embraer and Bombardier dominate the market and there is some murmur that India wants to manufacture a regional jet, all indicative of the potential that regional aviation holds.