DGCA Grants Type Certification to Embraer E-Jets
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has officially granted Type Certification to Embraer's E-Jets family, including the E190, E195, and the next-generation E195-E2. This approval allows the Brazilian aircraft manufacturer to expand its presence in India's regional aviation market, supporting the government's UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) scheme aimed at enhancing air connectivity to underserved regions.
The E195-E2, now certified by the DGCA, is touted as the world's quietest and most fuel-efficient small narrow-body aircraft. It offers airlines lower operating costs while improving passenger comfort with a modern cabin layout featuring two-by-two seating (eliminating middle seats), larger overhead bins, and enhanced amenities.
Industry Leaders Welcome Certification
Raul Villaron, Senior Vice President of Sales & Marketing and Head of Asia Pacific for Commercial Aviation at Embraer, welcomed the approval. "The DGCA's certification is an important step towards expanding regional connectivity in India," he said. "The E-Jets combine strong operating economics, performance, and passenger comfort, making them well-suited to support the Government's UDAN vision and reshape regional aviation across the country."
The E-Jets program is among the most successful in commercial aviation, with over 1,900 aircraft delivered globally and more than 80 airlines operating the family across over 50 countries.
Operational Advantages and Market Potential
Adity Shekhar, Regional Vice President of Sales at Embraer, highlighted the aircraft's versatility. "The certification will enable Indian airlines to deploy aircraft capable of operating routes that are uneconomical for larger narrowbody jets yet beyond the range of turboprops," she explained. The E-Jets offer flight endurance of up to seven hours and can operate from airports with short runways and limited pavement strength, allowing carriers to open new regional routes and serve underserved markets.
The E195-E2 has previously secured certification from three major global aviation regulators: the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), and Brazil's National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC).
Expanding Embraer's Footprint in India
Embraer currently has nearly 50 aircraft operating in India across commercial aviation, defence, and business aviation segments. Star Air, an Indian regional carrier, operates a fleet of 11 Embraer E175 and ERJ145 aircraft. The E175, another member of the E-Jets family, was already certified for operations in India and is flown by Star Air.
Earlier this year, Adani Defence & Aerospace and Embraer expanded their Memorandum of Understanding to explore setting up a Final Assembly Line (FAL) for the E175 regional jet in India under the country's Regional Transport Aircraft (RTA) programme. This initiative aligns with India's 'Make in India' policy and aims to boost domestic aerospace manufacturing.
Headquartered in Brazil, Embraer has delivered more than 9,000 aircraft since its inception in 1969 and is one of the world's leading manufacturers of commercial jets with up to 150 seats. The DGCA certification marks a significant milestone for Embraer as it seeks to tap opportunities in one of the world's fastest-growing aviation markets.
