Embraer unveils new concept aircraft

On 5 December 2022, Embraer unveiled new concept aircraft which are part of the manufacturer's initiative called Energia, which aims to reach net-zero emissions by 2050. The two aircraft are designed with the help of input from airlines as well as engine-makers and are for a 19-seat and 30-seat variant.

The Energia E19 and E30s are planned as a hybrid (E19-HE or E30-HE) and as a fuel cell aircraft (E19-H2FC or E20-H2FC). 

The Hybrid-version (HE) will feature a parallel hybrid-electric propulsion, enabling a reduction of 90% CO2 when used with Sustainable Air Fuel. Embraer expects the technology for this version will be mature enough by 2030. The fuell cell aircraft (H2FC), will have hydrogen electric propulsion and zero emissions. For this version, the manufacturer expects that the technology will be ready by 2035.

The range for the new aircraft is projected as up to 926 km for the E19s and up to 370 km for the E30s. Embraer expects that the E19 will produce 60% less noise than comparable aircraft, while the E19 will see a reduction of 70%.

Together with the Energia Advisory Group, which is made up of selected airlines and engine-manufacturers, Embraer will now continue the development of these aircraft and see if they could make them a reality.

Illustration by Embraer.