Embraer says no plans to build turboprop, focuses on E2 jets

Brazil’s Embraer continues to study an eventual return to the turboprop market after a 20-year hiatus but has no immediate plans to launch such a plane as it focuses on the latest version of its regional E-Jet series, a top executive said. Embraer said in September it was considering the development of a propeller-driven passenger plane, potentially returning to a segment dominated by the Franco-Italian ATR and Canada’s Bombardier. Experts say developing a turboprop would open a new front against arch-rival Bombardier, while giving Embraer options to address the U.S. regional market, where the smallest member of its upgraded E2 family, the E175-E2, faces union restrictions. But Embraer Commercial Aviation CE John Slattery said the project was on the back burner for now. “I continue to be interested in exploring the business case for a turboprop but I can assure you there are no immediate plans to launch any turboprop programme,” he said Tuesday. “Our focus now is exclusively on certification of the E190-E2, which will happen in the next few weeks, and the E195-E2 in due course, next year.” Nonetheless, Slattery said he continued to have a “small stealth team” working on the business case for a turboprop.<br/>