KUALA LUMPUR: Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer sees opportunities to expand its regional jet business in Asia-Pacific by targeting the region’s estimated 800-strong turboprop fleet, as airlines seek to improve connectivity to smaller cities and underserved destinations.
Embraer Commercial Aviation head of Asia-Pacific and vice-president Raul Villaron said the region offered significant potential for its E-Jet E2 family, particularly in markets such as India, the Philippines and Indonesia.
“There are about 800 turboprops in Asia, and today there is only one manufacturer producing turboprops, at around 30 aircraft a year,” he said at the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines’ (AAPA) 70th Assembly of Presidents here today.
