First-Gen E-Jets Transform into Game-Changing E-Freighters

At a relatively subdued Farnborough Airshow on the civil aviation front, the spotlight was on the debut of the first converted Embraer E190 into a narrowbody freighter. This marks a new chapter for first-generation E-Jets, with the U.S.-based aviation services group, Regional One, being the inaugural E-Freighter customer.

Kenya’s Astral Aviation, known for its diverse cargo operations, will be the first operator, receiving two of these aircraft from lessor NAC, which has committed to 10 conversions for future leases. The E-Freighter will bolster Astral’s fleet, which currently ranges from smaller turboprops to larger jet freighters, by offering a 10.7-tonne capacity for both scheduled and charter intra-African routes.

Embraer envisions the E190F filling a gap in the cargo market, positioned between smaller turboprops and larger jet freighters. The company aims to replace aging and less efficient aircraft, such as the DC-9, predicting a demand for up to 700 cargo aircraft in this category over the next two decades.

With the first generation of E-Jets now transitioning from passenger service as they emerge from long-term leases, the cargo conversion is expected to extend their operational life by 10 to 15 years. Promising more than 50% additional volume capacity and triple the range of large turboprops, the E-Jet Freighter also boasts up to 30% lower operating costs than traditional narrowbody freighters.

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