Embraer Signs Letter of Agreement at Paris Air Show with Lanzhou Aviation Industry Development Group for E-Jets Passenger-to-Freight Conversions

Embraer, a leading aerospace company, has recently signed a significant Letter of Agreement (LoA) during the 54th Paris Air Show with Lanzhou Aviation Industry Development Group. The agreement entails the purchase of 20 E190F and E195F E-Jets for Passenger-to-Freight Conversions (P2F).

The collaboration between the two companies also involves plans to establish E190F and E195F conversion capabilities in Lanzhou, China. This strategic move aims to accelerate the introduction of E-Jet first generation freighters into the lucrative Chinese market.

As part of the deal, Lanzhou Group becomes the launch customer for Embraer’s P2F conversion in China. Moreover, it will serve as the base for Embraer’s P2F conversions in the country.

According to Arjan Meijer, President and CEO of Embraer, the decision to focus on the Chinese market for their P2F program was driven by the increasing demand for cargo aircraft due to the booming E-commerce trade and logistics industry in the region.

Chen Zhiqiang, President of Lanzhou Aviation Industry Development Group, expressed his honor in being the launch customer for this initiative. He believes the project will contribute to high-quality economic development in Lanzhou, Gansu, and western regions of China. Zhiqiang also emphasized the importance of “China speed” in aviation logistics for sustainable and efficient economic growth.

Embraer’s P2F conversion program for E190F and E195F was launched in March 2022, responding to the rising demand for cargo aircraft in China, driven by the robust growth of E-commerce and logistics sectors.

With a forecasted market demand for 700 E-Jet freighters over the next two decades, China is projected to require 240 freighters of this size, accounting for 34% of the global total. This demand underscores the significance of the Chinese market for Embraer’s E-Jet freighters.

The E190F and E195F models, included in the P2F program, are among Embraer’s most successful commercial aircraft of all time. The maximum gross structural payload for the E190F is 13,150kg, while the E195F can handle up to 14,300kg.

Currently, several E-Jets are already in operation in China, serving prominent airlines such as Tianjin Airlines, Hebei Airlines, Beibu Gulf Airlines, and Colorful Guizhou Airlines.