Yesterday’s news that Embraer was floating the idea of coming back into the market with a turboprop created quite a flutter. Likely more of a flutter than was intended. Embraer is rightly proud of their start in aerospace that was a turboprop. They went on to build a very good regional turboprop in the Brasilia. They know the technologies.
But, as the company shared with us, this is an idea they are floating with target customers. There is no new turboprop – yet. “Embraer confirms that it has recently held an airline advisory board meeting to explore potential opportunities in the turboprop market. It is important to emphasize that Embraer is far from any decision to launch a new turboprop program and the process is in the evaluation phase. This is an early, but key step, in establishing if there is a business case for a modern turboprop platform.”
Can they do it? Yes. Is there a business case? Maybe. It just too soon to tell.
Co-Founder AirInsight. My previous life includes stints at Shell South Africa, CIC Research, and PA Consulting. Got bitten by the aviation bug and ended up an Avgeek. Then the data bug got me, making me a curious Avgeek seeking data-driven logic. Also, I appreciate conversations with smart people from whom I learn so much. Summary: I am very fortunate to work with and converse with great people.
