Day 2 of the Paris Air Show 2025 at Le Bourget proved to be a resounding success for Embraer, the Brazilian aerospace giant. While Airbus continued to secure significant widebody and narrow body orders, Embraer carved out its own niche, demonstrating its formidable strength in the regional jet market and strategically diversifying into the cargo and military sectors. The company’s announcements underscored its pivotal role in connecting smaller communities and providing versatile aviation solutions, securing a substantial order backlog and introducing innovative new programs.
SkyWest Doubles Down on E175s: A Regional Aviation Powerhouse
The highlight of Embraer’s Day 2 announcements was a blockbuster deal with SkyWest Airlines, solidifying the Embraer E175’s position as the workhorse of regional aviation in North America.
- Massive E175 Order: SkyWest placed a firm order for 60 E175 regional jets, with purchase rights for an additional 50 aircraft. This substantial deal, valued at US$3.6 billion at list price for the firm order, will be included in Embraer’s Q2 2025 backlog.
- Cornerstone of US Regional Fleets: The E175 continues to be a crucial aircraft for US regional airlines due to scope clause restrictions in major airline pilot contracts. These clauses limit the size and weight of aircraft that regional partners can operate, and the E175 perfectly fits within these parameters.
- Fleet Renewal and Expansion: Deliveries of the new E175s are scheduled to begin in 2027. This order will enable SkyWest, already the world’s largest E175 operator, to continue its fleet modernization, replacing older CRJ aircraft and enhancing its dual-class service offerings for major airline partners like United, Delta, American, and Alaska Airlines.
Chip Childs, President and CEO of SkyWest, emphasized, “As the largest E175 owner and operator worldwide, we’re pleased to continue growing our E175 fleet and enhance our dual-class footprint. This order enables us to advance our long-term fleet strategy and to continue to deliver the premier regional product in the industry.”1 This partnership, spanning nearly 40 years, highlights the enduring trust between the two companies.
Launching the E-Freighter: Tapping into the E-Commerce Boom 📦
Day 2 Beyond passenger regional jets, Embraer made a significant strategic move by officially announcing the launch customer for its new passenger-to-freight (P2F) conversion program, the E-Freighter.
- Bridges Air Cargo as Launch Customer: Bridges Air Cargo, part of Bridges Worldwide, a leading logistics provider, will be the first operator of the E190F E-Freighter. The first of two conversions is expected to begin operating in Bridges’ fleet in Q3 2025.
- Meeting E-commerce Demands: The E-Freighter program, which also includes the E195F, is designed to meet the increasing demands of e-commerce and modern trade, which require faster deliveries and more decentralized operations. This fills a crucial gap in the air cargo market, offering a more efficient alternative for regional express routes compared to larger narrowbodies or older turboprops.
- Enhanced Cargo Capabilities: E-Jets converted to freighters will boast over 40% more volume capacity than large cargo turboprops, three times their range, and up to 30% lower operating costs than larger narrowbody freighters like the Boeing 737-800BCF. The E190F, with a maximum structural payload of 13,500 kg, is poised to become a backbone for regional express logistics.
Arjan Meijer, President and CEO of Embraer Commercial Aviation, expressed enthusiasm, “We are excited to announce Bridges Air Cargo as the launch customer for the E190F so soon after achieving triple certification for the aircraft with FAA, EASA, and ANAC. We look forward to supporting a smooth entry into service for the first E-Freighter.”2
Diversifying the Portfolio: Military Wins and Future Mobility
Embraer’s successful Day 2 extended beyond commercial aviation, showcasing its versatility across different segments of the aerospace industry.
- Lithuania Chooses C-390 Millennium: In a significant win for its defense portfolio, Lithuania selected Embraer’s C-390 Millennium as its next-generation military transport aircraft. This decision, paving the way for the acquisition of three C-390s, enhances Lithuania’s operational readiness and interoperability within NATO countries.
- ANA’s E190-E2 Order Finalized: While a previously announced deal, Embraer also confirmed that All Nippon Airways (ANA) finalized a purchase agreement for fifteen E190-E2 aircraft, with options for five additional jets. This marks ANA’s first Embraer order, with deliveries starting in 2028, and positions the E2 as the first next-generation E-Jet to operate in Japan.
- eVTOL Progress: Embraer’s urban air mobility venture, Eve Air Mobility, continued to garner interest. The company secured a Letter of Intent (LOI) for 54 eVTOL aircraft from Future Flight Global (FFG) to serve Brazil and the United States, indicating continued momentum in the sustainable future-flight sector.
Key Highlights of Embraer’s Day 2 at Paris Air Show 2025
| Feature | Description |
| SkyWest E175 Mega-Order | Firm order for 60 Embraer E175s with options for 50 more, valued at $3.6 billion, solidifying regional jet dominance. |
| E-Freighter Launch | Bridges Air Cargo named launch customer for the E190F passenger-to-freight conversion, entering the growing regional cargo market. |
| Military Transport Win | Lithuania selected the C-390 Millennium military transport aircraft, expanding Embraer’s defense footprint. |
| E2 Expansion in Asia | ANA All Nippon Airways finalized an order for 15 E190-E2s, bringing next-generation E-Jets to Japan. |
Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for Embraer
Embraer’s performance on Day 2 of the Paris Air Show 2025 paints a picture of a company with a strong strategic vision and diversified product portfolio. By leveraging its core strengths in regional aircraft while expanding into high-growth areas like cargo conversions and military transport, Embraer is well-positioned for sustained success. The robust order book, particularly for the E175, underscores the enduring demand for efficient and reliable regional connectivity. As the aviation industry navigates global economic shifts and focuses on sustainability, Embraer’s timely innovations and strategic partnerships are set to keep it soaring high.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What was the largest single order Embraer secured on Day 2 of the Paris Air Show 2025?
A1: The largest single order Embraer secured on Day 2 was from SkyWest Airlines for 60 firm E175 regional jets, with options for an additional 50 aircraft. This deal for the firm orders is valued at approximately US$3.6 billion.
Q2: Which airline is the launch customer for Embraer’s new E-Freighter program?
A2: Bridges Air Cargo, a part of Bridges Worldwide, has been announced as the launch customer for Embraer’s new E190F passenger-to-freight (P2F) conversion program. Their first E190F is expected to begin operations in Q3 2025.
Q3: Did Embraer secure any deals beyond commercial passenger jets on Day 2?
A3: Yes, Embraer secured significant deals beyond commercial passenger jets. These included Lithuania’s selection of the C-390 Millennium military transport aircraft and ongoing progress with Eve Air Mobility’s eVTOL aircraft, securing a Letter of Intent for 54 units.
