The certification positions the aircraft manufacturer to cater to future requirements of both existing airlines and potential new entrants
Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer sees a potential market for 500 aircraft in India over the next decade following the Directorate General of Civil Aviation’s (DGCA) type certification of its E-Jet family, which the company believes will support airlines expanding regional connectivity beyond metro routes.Accordingly, the certification covers multiple aircraft under the E-Jet family, including the E190, E195 and the E195-E2, while the E175 had already received DGCA type certification and is currently operated in India by Star Air.Speaking to businessline, Raul Villaron, Senior Vice-President Sales & Marketing and Head of Region Asia Pacific, Commercial Aviation at Embraer, said the certification positions the aircraft manufacturer to cater to future requirements of both existing airlines and potential new entrants looking to deploy small narrowbody aircraft.“We see a potential market of 500 aircraft over the next 10 years that we could bring to India. The E-Jet family certification allows us to cater to future demand from both existing airlines and possible new entrants that may look at small narrowbodies to start operations. The E175 is already flying in India, and we are hopeful of securing further E-Jet orders soon,” he said.Besides, Villaron said India’s regional aviation market continues to present significant opportunities as airlines seek to improve connectivity between smaller cities.Operating rangeAccording to him, airlines currently operate predominantly large narrowbody aircraft and turboprops, leaving substantial opportunities on routes that are too small for larger aircraft but beyond the economic operating range of turboprops.Furthermore, he said connectivity from major hubs to second- and third-tier cities remains limited and is often served by narrowbody aircraft operating only two to three frequencies a week, while turboprops are primarily deployed on shorter sectors.“This certification enables us to support airlines expanding their networks and opening unique routes by tapping into ‘blue ocean’ opportunities that are too small for a large narrowbody or too far for a turboprop,” Villaron said.Major hubsAdditionally, he said the E-Jet family, including the E175 and E190-E2, could enable airlines to connect smaller city pairs directly while bypassing major hubs, thereby improving network connectivity and passenger convenience.As per Embraer, more than 800 city pairs in India currently remain unserved directly despite generating sufficient demand for aircraft with fewer than 150 seats. The company estimates that around 90 per cent of these unserved markets involve sectors exceeding 500 kilometres, making them less suitable for turboprop operations.In addition, Villaron said the E195-E2 is well suited for such routes owing to its fuel efficiency and lower operating costs.Cargo capacityHe said the aircraft offers passengers improved comfort, faster journey times, lower noise levels and additional cargo capacity compared with turboprops.On fuel economics, Embraer said its E195-E2 is currently the world’s most fuel-efficient small narrowbody aircraft and features a two-by-two seating configuration without middle seats, larger overhead bins and individual passenger service units.Globally, the E-Jet programme has recorded more than 1,900 aircraft deliveries and is operated by over 80 airlines across more than 50 countries.Published on July 10, 2026
