5 Reasons Airlines & Pilots Love The Embraer 190 (2024)

The stretched member of the Embraer E series, the E190 is one of the most successful aircraft in the narrowbody category. With a seating capacity of up to 124 passengers, the E190 is popular among regional airlines. Two General Electric CF-34 turbofan engines power the type, each producing 20,000 lbf (89 kN) of takeoff thrust. The E190 had a longer fuselage, a larger wing, and a larger horizontal stabilizer.

Embraer originally wanted to develop the E190 to expand its presence in the regional aircraft market. The development began after the successful launches of the much smaller ERJ135 and ERJ145. The aircraft were selling well, so Embraer started to work on a larger regional aircraft that was more technologically advanced. Both the E170 and E190 aircraft were revealed at the Paris Air Show in 1999.

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The E190 has a larger cabin than previous configurations. It also has other technical upgrades, such as the Parker Hannifin fuel system, which allows the aircraft to continuously optimize the performance of its engines. This system reduces fuel consumption and maintenance requirements. The E190 has a cruise speed of 447 knots (515 mph) and a range of 2,450 nautical miles (2,820 miles).

Embraer's E190 first flew in March 2004. Embraer partnered with the New York-based low-cost carrier JetBlue as the launch partner for the E190. JetBlue purchased 100 aircraft options in 2003 and eventually took delivery of its first example in 2005. Its first aircraft entered service in 2006 and had a seating configuration for 100 passengers in a two-by-two configuration.

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In 2013, Embraer announced that the E190 and other E-jets would be succeeded by the E2 family of aircraft. The E2 variants would improve on the existing E175, E190, and E195 aircraft. New E2 jets have significant improvements throughout the aircraft, including new fuel-efficient PW1900G turbofan engines, fly-by-wire controls, new avionics, and an updated interior. The first variant developed was the E190-E2 and was first flown in May 2016. It was initially introduced into service by the Norwegian airline Widerøe. Currently, 20 E190-E2 variants are in use globally.

The E190-E2 would signify the end of the production of the original E190, although it is still operated worldwide. Let's look at what makes the E190 so popular among airlines and pilots.

1 High service ceiling

Flies at heights up to 41,000 feet

• Less dense air
• Greater engine performance
• Increased fuel efficiency

There are many significant benefits to flying at high altitudes. The E190 has a high ceiling of 41,000 feet to improve its efficiency. As an aircraft increases its altitude, the air pressure decreases, and the air becomes thinner. The thinner air allows for engines to operate more efficiently. This means that the aircraft can fly much faster while burning less fuel. The thinner air also means that there is less drag on the aircraft. As a result, the aircraft can fly more efficiently in the air. This is, of course, great for several reasons, but one benefit of flying quickly and efficiently at 41,000 feet is that it saves money on operating costs.

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The aircraft's ceiling also allows the E190 to fly above and avoid potentially troublesome weather systems. This lets passengers on the aircraft fly more comfortably, as the ride itself is smoother. The E190's service ceiling is also better than that of some of its competitors, including the Boeing 717, which only has a service ceiling of 37,000 feet.

2 Long range

Up to 2,450 nautical miles (2,820 miles)

The E190 has a very competitive range for a small single-aisle aircraft. Its range of 2,450 nautical miles allows it to operate as a regional jet on any continent. It can fly from nearly anywhere in North America to the Caribbean and connect Europe to the Middle East or Africa.

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Fortunately, when Embraer says the E190 boasts a range of 2,450 nautical miles, they specify that this is when the aircraft has a full load of passengers. The E190 can also hold a maximum of 12,971 kg (28,596 lbs) of fuel, which helps the aircraft achieve such an impressive range for its class. The type can also be utilized at a great number of airfields as its takeoff and landing requirements are just 2,100 m (6,890 ft) and 1,244 m (4,081 ft), respectively, facilitating operations out of smaller airports.

3 Impressive maximum cruise speed

Cruise speed: 447 knots (515 mph)

• Maximum speed: 470 knots (541 mph)
• Maximum payload: 28,800 lb (13,063 kg)
• Maximum fuel: 28,596 lb (12,971 kg)

Embraer's E190 features a high cruise speed that facilitates flight at Mach .78, similar to many of its competitors, including the Airbus A220 and Boeing 717. Its higher cruise speed is primarily due to its two turbofan engines, the aforementioned GE CF34-10Es, which provide over 20,000 pounds of force. The increased cruise speed allows the aircraft to fly quickly across routes at altitude.

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The E190 also advertises a maximum takeoff weight of 51,800 kg (114,199 lbs) and has a maximum payload of 13,063 kg (28,800 lb). The aircraft's low operating weight of 27,837 kg (61,370 lbs) allows airlines to increase the number of passengers on each flight.

4 Class-leading comfort

Cabin altitude: 5,800 feet

• Minimum flight fatigue
• Lower stress and anxiety
• Reduced effects of jet lag

According to German Airways, the E190 has the lowest cabin altitude in its class and pressurizes the cabin to only 5,800 feet. This helps passengers feel comfortable even as the aircraft reaches heights of 41,000 feet. It also contributes to reduced fatigue for passengers and can reduce some adverse effects of flying, such as the ear pain that occurs when a cabin transitions from natural atmospheric pressure to artificial pressure. This effect is reduced when the cabin is pressurized to a lower altitude.

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The aircraft's cabin has a height of 6 feet 7 inches and a cabin width of nearly 9 feet. Embraer's E190 presents a cabin design that contributes to reducing noise levels. Additionally, the next generation of Embraer jets, the E2 family, will reduce noise in its cabin by 65%, which improves an already quiet cabin.

5 Great seating for a regional jet

E-190 cabin offers plenty of legroom

• Single-class seating: 29" to 32" pitch
• Two-class seating: 36" - 38" pitch

Spacious seating offerings on the E190 are provided in dual-class or even single-class seating options. The two-class option offers seats with a 38" pitch, while the seats in single-class examples range from 29" to 32" pitches. These ranges are relatively competitive with many other regional jets in the market.

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In a single-class configuration, the E190 can fit between 100 and 114 passengers. If the type is set up in two classes, it will fit up to 96 passengers. Overall, the E190 is a reliable aircraft that many pilots and airlines enjoy operating. It also boasts an incredible safety record over the years. All these factors contribute to the backlog of orders that the next generation of E-jets, the E2 family, currently has.