By Benjamin Pham
Embraer Begins Research Aimed At Electric-Powered Aircraft
In a time period where there is a huge push for businesses and corporations to be more energy-efficient, the aviation industry has developed its own methods to work to become more environmentally friendly and sustainable. The proposals and projects can range from the implementation of new technology and reduction of carbon emissions to researching ways to reduce aircraft noise and improve fuel economy.
Embraer has become one of the newest players in this field, as the company officially announced its joint partnership with Energias de Portugal (EDP) in Brazil to inaugurate electric aircraft research.
“Embraer’s history of creating strategic partnerships through agile cooperation makes us one of the most recognized Brazilian companies for stimulating global knowledge networks, which in turn significantly increases the country’s competitiveness,” said Luís Carlos Affonso, Embraer’s Vice President of Engineering and Corporate Strategy, in a statement. “It is a pleasure to welcome EDP into this scientific research endeavor designed to build a sustainable future. Innovation is one of the pillars of Embraer’s new strategy for the coming years.”
EDP’s Smart Division — the company’s main sector for electricity and energy — plans to financially contribute through the acquisition of energy storage and battery technologies. Its financial contributions will support the prominent Brazilian aircraft manufacturer’s all-electric demonstrator aircraft proposals.
“EDP aims to lead the energy transition to a low carbon economy. Our partnership with Embraer in the development of the company’s first 100% electric demonstrator aircraft represents a new frontier for our investment in electric mobility, which helps to position Brazil as a leading player in this market,” EDP in Brazil President Miguel Setas said.
Embraer’s signature E-Jet family, featuring its E170, E175 and E190 narrowbody aircraft, has since then been its most notable line of jets. Additionally, when the airlines operate regional and short-haul routes, the aircraft manufacturer’s E-Jet family is seen as a dependable option and is often used to meet the travel demand.
Embraer also has its more recent and newer E-Jet E2 aircraft variants, the E175 E2, E190 E2 and E195 E2, with an enhanced flight deck and more efficient engines. Finally, Embraer has its ERJ aircraft family, featuring the ERJ 135, 140 and 145 for airlines’ shorter routes.
Embraer’s partnership with EDP to develop electric aircraft will further establish the significance of the regional narrow-body E-Jet Family going forward. The Brazilian aerospace company will have the opportunity to enhance its commercial aircraft offerings to be more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly while minimizing costs and emissions for operators.
Additionally, its initiative to explore other different technologies and make its aircraft more cost-effective and non-polluting could attract airlines that want to operate this type of aircraft going forward in order to reduce their carbon footprint on their routes.
Of course, while Embraer’s focus on constructing electric-powered aircraft is another step towards transforming the aviation industry with the goal of allowing operators to transition from traditional resources like fuel to more innovative means, there is still a long way to go. But with Embraer becoming yet another big player to start down this path, the future may be closer than once thought to be.
Benjamin has had a love for aviation since a young age, growing up in Tampa with a strong interest in airplane models and playing with them. When he moved to the Washington, D.C. area, Benjamin took part in aviation photography for a couple of years at Gravelly Point and Dulles Airport, before dedicating planespotting to only when he traveled to the other airports. He is an avid, world traveler, having been able to reach 32 countries, yearning to explore and understand more cultures soon. Currently, Benjamin is an Air Transporation Management student at Arizona State University. He hopes to enter the airline industry to improve the passenger experience and loyalty programs while keeping up to how technology is being integrated into airports.