What Are The Differences Between Embraer’s E170 & E175 Models?

Since its introduction in 2004, Embraer’s E-Jet family has become a staple of regional flying worldwide. The Brazilian manufacturer has produced more than 1,500 E-Jets altogether, with aircraft from the next-generation E2 family now rolling off the production line. The smallest E-Jets are the E170 and E175 models, but how exactly do these planes differ?

Dimensional differences

Let’s start by looking at how the E170 and E175 compare and contrast when it comes to their performance and specifications. The E170, which was the first variant from the E-Jet family to enter service (with LOT Polish Airlines in 2004), clocks in at 29.90 meters long.

Meanwhile, the 31.67-meter long E175 entered service with Air Canada in 2005. This slight stretch allows the E175 to carry a handful more passengers than its earlier and smaller counterpart. Indeed, a typical two-class seating configuration on the E170 will accommodate 66 passengers, compared to 76 on the larger E175.

One-class layouts see the E170 seat 72-78 passengers, compared to 78-88 on the E175. While these aircraft’s lengths may differ, they share the same 26.01-meter wingspan. In terms of height, the 9.86-meter tall E175 exceeds the 9.83-meter tall E170 by a narrow margin.

Despite being younger, the E175 has far exceeded the E170’s sales. Photo: Vincenzo Pace | Simple Flying

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Performance statistics

Both the E170 and the E175 are powered by General Electric‘s CF34-8E engines. These turbofans, which each produce 14,200 lbf (63 kN) of thrust, can also be found on the Bombardier CRJ family of regional jets, as well as China’s COMAC ARJ21.

These engines work in tandem to enable both the E170 and E175 to cruise at Mach 0.75 (430 knots / 797 km/h). They also provide both models with a maximum speed of Mach 0.82 (470 knots / 871 km/h). The designs share a service ceiling of 41,000 feet.

When it comes to range, there is little to separate the E170 and E175. The latter, larger design just has the edge, and can fly for up to 2,200nmi (4,074 km). However, the smaller E170 pushes it very close, with a range of 2,150nmi (3,982 km). But how have they sold?

Contrasting orders and deliveries

We have established that there is little to separate the E170 and E175 in terms of their dimensions and performance. However, there is a bigger gap when it comes to how well each of these twin-engine regional jet designs has performed in a commercial sense.

As of Q2 this year, Embraer’s results show that it has delivered just 191 E170s, with no outstanding orders. Meanwhile, the E175 is the most popular variant in the entire E-Jet family, with 675 examples having already been delivered. Furthermore, the Brazilian manufacturer still has a backlog of a further 141 firm orders for the E175.

This contrast has also proven to shape the nature of the next-generation E-Jet E2 family. Indeed, the low-selling E170 is the only variant that won’t be modernized in the form of an E2 model. That being said, the E175-E2’s first flight is still a way off as it stands. The type has sold poorly in the US, and is now not expected to hit the skies until 2024.

Have you flown on any aircraft from Embraer’s E-Jet family? Which is your favorite model? Let us know your thoughts and experiences in the comments!