Increased sales opportunities may open up for the larger two models in Embraer’s E-Jet range with the aircraft now being cleared for 120-minute extended twin-engine operation (ETOPS).

The Brazilian OEM announced March 14 that it has secured 120-minute ETOPS approval for both the E190-E2 and E195-E2 from Brazil’s Civil Aviation Authority (ANAC), the FAA and EASA.

This new capability will allow existing and new E2 operators to fly direct, non-limiting routes over water and other remote areas. ETOPS status is likely to be particularly useful in the Asia-Pacific region, with more over-water sectors now potentially open to airlines.

Embraer described the granting of ETOPS 120 “as testimony to the aircraft’s design and to the maturity of the systems; ETOPS certification requires the fleet of aircraft in operation to reach cumulative flying hour milestones.”

The airframer added that the E2’s ETOPS status had come later than anticipated because of the global pandemic. This significantly reduced airline operations, slowing down the accumulation of flying hours required to reach the necessary milestones.

“ETOPS is an important additional capability for the E2, and a key enabler for more sales, especially in Asia Pacific,” Embraer Commercial Aviation president and CEO, Arjan Meijer noted.

“Airlines flying routes with up to 120-minute diversion time will be able to use straighter, quicker and more fuel-efficient routes, and have access to more diversion airports.”

Embraer’s website currently gives the E190 E2’s range (with full passenger load in single-class configuration, typical reserves and a 100nm alternate) as 2,850nm / 5.278km. The larger E195 E2’s corresponding figures are 2,600nm / 4,815km.