Steppe-ing Up

Embraer, by way of a series of static-displays and demonstration flights, has introduced its E195-E2 narrow-body airliner to representatives of Uzbekistan’s government, media, and national airline.

The Brazilian airframer’s efforts speak compellingly to a burgeoning Uzbek aircraft market driven by need for improved domestic and regional connectivity within the immense, doubly-land-locked Central Asian country.

Uzbekistan, in 2023, is a nation increasingly focused on expanding and modernizing its air-travel infrastructure and broadening its tourism industry. Success in either venture, however, is predicated upon surmounting a vast and varied landmass encompassing towering mountains, the sprawling Kyzylkum Desert, and vast expanses of inhospitable desolation. That Uzbekistan’s national aspirations occasion need for a versatile, reliable, and efficient aircraft is patently evident.

The E195-E2 demonstration flights were attended by delegates of the Uzbek government, personnel from the Brazilian Embassy in Tashkent, representatives of Uzbekistan’s flag-carrier, and members of the Uzbek media.

Embraer vice-president of sales and marketing Michal Nowak stated: “The demonstration flights provided an excellent opportunity to showcase the operational efficiency, low maintenance costs, and adaptability of our E2 family to challenging conditions, making it a perfect fit for the Uzbekistan market.”

Mr. Nowak added: “We are excited about the opportunities this market presents.”

Rano Juraeva, board chairwoman of JSC Uzbekistan Airports, set forth: “Embraer’s range of regional aircraft has proven itself in the global aviation market. I am glad that the manufacturer is constantly working on new aircraft developments and paying attention to important criteria like sustainability, fuel-efficiency, and noise-level reduction. Today we are witnessing a historic moment as the aviation sector of Uzbekistan is experiencing a real boom.”

Founded in 2019 for purpose of developing Uzbekistan’s airports, JSC Uzbekistan Airports is the managing entity of 11 Uzbek international airports. The organization includes Uzbekistan Airports Handling LLC, a subsidiary handling company operating under the UzPort brand at the Islam Karimov International Airport (TAS) in the Uzbek capital city of Tashkent, and regional air-carrier Silk Avia.

Ms. Juraeva continued: “Over the past year, several new domestic airlines have been launched in the country and new aircraft types have started operations in Uzbekistan, providing a strong boost for the development of tourism—both domestic and international. Against this background, this event is very important for us, when domestic carriers can be familiarized with a new aircraft type, directly ask questions to the manufacturer, and take part in the demo flight.”

Uzbekistan Airways CEO Shukhrat Khudaykulov remarked: “Adaptability, operational efficiency, and reliability in a unique geographical environment are key factors to be considered as we evaluate our future fleet development. We are thankful for this opportunity to sample the Embraer E195-E2’s capabilities in Uzbekistan, which will allow us to make an informed decision to improve our service and develop the airline’s route network.”

Founded in 1992, Uzbekistan Airways is the national airline and flag-carrier of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The airline’s fleet includes 33 aircraft engaged in both scheduled and charter operations to more than 65 destinations. Uzbekistan Airways maintains five subsidiary divisions: Uzbekistan Airways Sales, Uzbekistan Airways Technics, Uzbekistan Airways Training Center, Uzbekistan Helicopters, and Uzbekistan Airways Catering. Moreover, Uzbekistan Airways is unique among airlines based in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS)—a Eurasian intergovernmental confederacy—insomuch as it is the only such air-carrier currently operating direct non-stop transcontinental flights from Tashkent to New York City.

Embraer’s E-Jet family is a series of four-abreast, narrow-body, short to medium-range, twin-engine, jet airliners. The series’ commercial success derives largely of its ability to efficiently serve lower-density routes while offering amenities and features similar to those of wide-body aircraft.

The E-Jet family comprises two series: the smaller, base-model E170 and E175 jets and the stretched E190 and E195 aircraft. A business-jet iteration known as the Embraer Lineage 1000 (type name ERJ190-100 ECJ) is also produced, albeit in smaller numbers. The latter sports the same structure as the E190, but boasts an extended range of up to 4,200-nautical-miles and luxury seating for up to 19 well-heeled passengers.

The E170 and E175 share 95-percent commonality, as do the E190 and E195; the two families share near 89-percent commonality, as evinced by their identical fuselage cross-sections and avionics.

To the subject of powerplants, the E170 and E175 are powered by General Electric’s 14,200-lbf CF34-8E turbofan engine, while the stretched E190 and E195 make use of the 20,000-lbf General Electric CF34-10E mill. The noise-signatures and emissions of both engines exceed the requirements established by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Ergo, E-Jet operators retain the ability to service noise-sensitive airports such as London City (LCY), Teterboro (TEB), John Wayne (SNA), Santa Monica (SMO), and Naples, Florida (APF).

To date, Embraer has logged orders for north of 1,900 E-Jets from more than one-hundred customers. Presently, no fewer than eighty airlines across every habitable continent operate Embraer E-Jets.

FMI: www.embraer.com