Engine technology key to Embraer's move to larger aircraft

"Engine technology and moves by Airbus and Boeing will be key to Embraer's decision over which type of narrowbody to develop in future.

The Brazilian aircraft-maker is studying whether to develop an aircraft larger than the Embraer 195.

At the Commercial Aviation Online Inside Air Finance conference at Asian Aerospace, Embraer Asia Pacific managing director Alex Glock said that no final decision has been made and that "entering into a larger market without understanding what Airbus and Boeing are doing would be suicidal".

He added that engine technology will be important to Embraer's decision and that it is looking at different technologies, including the geared turbofan.

Glock said that Embraer is looking at whether to re-enter the turboprop market. Last year, when oil prices were at a high, it was disclosed that Embraer was examining whether to develop a 90-seat turboprop.

Embraer's biggest competitor, Bombardier, has already launched the CSeries programme, a new 110/130-seat regional jet.

Trung Ngo, Bombardier vice-president Asia Pacific sales, was also speaking at the conference and says the 110/130-seat segment is "neglected by Airbus and Boeing and their product offering in this segment is not economical".

But he also said that Bombardier expects an aircraft maker to move in with a new product to compete against it in this sector." Charter