Embraer E195-E2 Becomes Largest Aircraft to Land at London City Airport

(26 July 2022, 11:57 +07)  An Embraer E195-E2 demonstrated its steep approach capability last week, becoming the largest aircraft to land at London City Airport (LCY).

The visit, in anticipation of the aircraft’s certification for steep approach into London City at the end of this year, included ground handling tests and other preparations for the aircraft’s first scheduled flight into LCY, expected shortly after certification.

The visit demonstrates the importance Embraer places on being able to offer LCY capability to airlines with the E195-E2, after the E190-E2 began operations into LCY in September 2021.

The airport is a vital component of London’s wider connectivity, and Embraer aircraft account for 85% of all LCY operations on routes as diverse as Edinburgh and Mykonos.

E195-E2 becomes the largest plane to land at London City Airport (LCY)

The aircraft, the largest in the E2 family, seating up to 146 passengers, was flown into LCY on a 39% blend of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).

“The arrival of the E195-E2 signals that we are on the cusp of welcoming more new generation aircraft that provide world class environmental performance, carry more passengers, and have the potential to connect this airport with more global markets,” said Alison FitzGerald, Chief Operation Officer at London City Airport. “This moment also represents the strength of the partnership we have with Embraer, and together, we are pushing the envelope of what’s possible at this airport, as at 146 seats and a wingspan of 35 metres, it will be comfortably the largest aircraft to operate from LCY. While the immediate focus is certification, we are hopeful that we will see the first E195-E2 in operation next year with KLM which will be real cause of celebration.”

The E2 saves up to 25% carbon dioxide emissions compared to previous generation aircraft and over 30% lower CO2 emission per seat versus jets of current generation operating at the airport.

In early July, Embraer and Pratt & Whitney successfully tested an E195-E2 aircraft on 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), showing that the 25% reduction in emissions can be increased up to 85%.

In terms of noise reduction, the E195-E2 offers over 65% reduction in noise footprint area compared to jets of current generation operating at the airport.

Arjan Meijer, President and CEO Embraer Commercial Aviation, said, “London City feels like home for Embraer. It’s a great airport, not just because it’s fast and efficient for passengers to travel through, but because its unique challenges as an airfield demonstrate the excellent performance of our E-Jets. We are immensely proud to be the dominant aircraft brand at LCY, and look forward to seeing scheduled services begin with the E195-E2.”

As LCY’s runway length measures just 1,508 metres and descent angles are up to 5.5 degrees, Steep Approach Certification is an official requirement to operate at London City Airport.

Currently, 85% of all flights landing or departing LCY are E-Jets or the E190-E2 operated by carriers such as BA Cityflyer, KLM Cityhopper and Helvetic Airways.

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