economie

I went on board Embraer’s next-generation rival to the Airbus A220. Look inside the regional jet that may never be used in the US.

September 7, 20240
An Airbus A220.

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There have been nearly three times more orders for the A220 than for the Embraer E2.

The A220 began life as the Bombardier C-Series before Airbus acquired a majority stake in Bombardier in 2017.

Canada’s Porter Airlines is the top customer for the E2, with 50 confirmed orders.
A United Express Embraer E175.

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The scope clause, part of the contract between airlines and pilots’ unions, limits the number of passengers a regional aircraft can carry.

As the hard cap is 76 seats, US airlines can’t fly the higher capacity E195-E2.

The clause is designed to limit the role of regional aircraft to prevent mainline carriers from outsourcing too many flying jobs to their smaller partner airlines.

Stepping on board, there were a few rows of premium seats at the front of the cabin.
Staggered premium seats on board the jet.

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Embraer says premium seats have a 36-inch seat pitch — the distance between the same spot on one seat and the one in front.

The economy seats are also laid out in a 2-2 configuration.
A row of two seats on board.

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By contrast, the A220 cabin is configured in a 2-3 layout.

The middle seat on an airplane is severely underrated

The new E2 jets also have larger overhead bins.
There’s a seat pitch of 31 inches in economy in a three-class setup.

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In a typical three-class setup of 120 seats, economy class has a 31-inch seat pitch. However, if an airline wanted to fit the maximum 146 seats instead, the seat pitch would be just 28 inches.

The E195-E2 is the largest aircraft that can operate out of London City Airport.
A Delta Air Lines Airbus A220 at LaGuardia Airport.

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In 2022, aviation outlet Leeham News reported that United Airlines wouldn’t change the scope clause in its pilot contract as Embraer had hoped for.