Embraer is stepping on the accelerator again. After several years marked by the pandemic and supply chain disruptions, the Brazilian manufacturer is preparing to recover—and potentially surpass—its historical levels of commercial aircraft production. The immediate goal is clear: to return to 100 annual deliveries within the next two years, driven by demand that, according to the company itself, continues to show unexpected strength in a complex geopolitical context.
The roadmap was detailed by Arjan Meijer, CEO of Embraer Commercial Aviation, in statements to Reuters, at a key moment for the regional jet segment.
Production on the Rise: From Post-Pandemic Adjustment to 30% Expansion
In 2025, Embraer delivered 78 commercial aircraft, falling within its official guidance of 77 to 85 units. Now, the industrial plan envisions an increase of nearly 30% in deliveries and underlying production over the next 24 months, with the initial focus on regaining the threshold of 100 aircraft annually, a level the company maintained before the health crisis.
“The first goal is to get back to 100 deliveries, but with the demand we have today and the sales results… we’ll likely have to go beyond that,” stated Meijer.
This growth is not seen as a temporary rebound, but as a response to a fleet replacement cycle that many airlines postponed during COVID-19 and that is now beginning to materialize at an accelerated pace.
E2 at the Core of Strategy: Embraer Outpaces A220 in Orders
One of the most relevant figures from the recent period is the commercial performance of the E2 family. Despite losing a “politically charged” competition in Poland to Airbus, Embraer quadrupled its E2 sales last year.
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The result is resounding: 131 net orders, surpassing the Airbus A220 by a ratio of three to one. Notable customers include All Nippon Airways (ANA) and LATAM, two major operators that reinforce the program’s credibility in demanding markets.
For the company, this performance confirms that the 70 to 130-seat segment remains strategic, especially in a context where operational efficiency and network flexibility are priorities for airlines.
Resilient Demand, Even with Geopolitical Noise
Far from showing signs of cooling, demand remains firm. Meijer acknowledged the existence of global uncertainty but ruled out an immediate negative impact on airlines’ appetite.
“Do I worry about certain global developments? Yes, of course. We monitor them closely, but we don’t see demand weakening,” the executive noted.
These statements were made ahead of the Airline Economics conference in Dublin, a key forum for the sector’s financial analysis, reinforcing the message of confidence to lessors, banks, and operators.
Supply Chain: Gradual Improvement, Stability Only by 2026
Although pressure on the supply chain has begun to ease, Embraer said it would be necessary for it to return to normal in 2026. Critical components like engines and aerostructures have been part of the “bottleneck” at various points in the recent cycle.
In this context, the situation with Pratt & Whitney is especially relevant. According to Meijer, the American manufacturer has largely overcome the shortages and maintenance bottlenecks that affected the fleet.
This contrasts with the growing dispute between Airbus and Pratt & Whitney over the availability of Geared Turbofan (GTF) engines used on part of the A320neo family.
Fewer Aircraft Grounded: The E2 Shows Greater Robustness
A key technical point is the performance of the GTF on the E2. Meijer explained that the variant used by Embraer is less prone to durability problems, partly because the aircraft is smaller and lighter, and because it entered service later, avoiding the program’s initial issues.
The operational impact is tangible: the number of E2 aircraft grounded due to maintenance delays has fallen to a single digit, down from a peak of between 25 and 40 units. The company’s expectation is to reach zero parked aircraft before year-end.
India on the Radar, But Without Official Confirmation
Meijer avoided commenting on reports indicating that Embraer is close to announcing a historic deal to assemble aircraft in India. However, a source with direct knowledge of the matter indicated that the aerospace group of billionaire Gautam Adani plans to announce a partnership with the Brazilian manufacturer.
This potential move coincides with the upcoming visit of Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva to India, adding a political and strategic dimension to the potential agreement. For now, Embraer remains silent, making the topic one of the main points to watch.
A New Aircraft? Embraer Hits the Brakes and Prioritizes Technology
Despite the favorable commercial moment, Embraer is in no rush to launch a successor for its current jet family. The focus, at least for now, is on maturing technologies before committing to a new platform.
“We are looking at all options. A new platform for a manufacturer is a major decision and we need to move slowly and carefully,” concluded Meijer.
The lack of concrete definitions regarding a new program leaves open the question about the long-term future of Embraer’s commercial portfolio, especially considering the evolution of the A220 and possible moves by other competitors. For now, the priority is clear: deliver more aircraft, capitalize on demand, and consolidate the E2 as the benchmark in the segment.
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