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Embraer is displaying a full-size mock-up of the passenger cabin of its E-Jets E2, the second generation of its E-Jets family of commercial aircraft, at the Farnborough Air Show. This is the first time the cabin is on public display. U.K. design firm Priestmangoode was contracted to jointly develop the aircraft cabin design with Embraer.
“E-Jets have always been a favorite of passengers because of their excellent comfort and individual space in a cabin where every seat is either a window or aisle. There are no uncomfortable middle seats,” said Paulo Cesar Silva, president and CEO, Embraer Commercial Aviation. “The new interior of the E2s will deliver an even more comfortable and functional environment that is tailored to passenger needs while maximizing airlines’ operational efficiency.”
In Economy Class, the E2s will maintain two seats on each side of the aisle, which is an advantage over other aircraft that offer seat banks with three seats. With this configuration, the Embraer airplanes provide maximum comfort for passengers and faster boarding and disembarking. The 18.3-inch width seats are among the widest offered in the industry and will be of the slim type, providing greater leg room for passengers.
The overhead bins will be about 40 per cent larger than those of current generation E-Jets, allowing every passenger to take one typical airline carry-on bag on board. In addition, the bins will accommodate bags with IATA maximum recommended size (22 in x 18 in x 10 in, or 56 cm x 45 cm x 25 cm).
New individual control panels for lights and air-conditioning (the Passenger Service Unit – PSU) enhance the “personal space” concept, with more ergonomic and intuitive controls that were inspired by the automotive industry. The windows were redesigned and now give the feeling of a larger cabin with outstanding natural lighting.
For First Class configurations, Embraer is evaluating a concept of staggered individual seats that provide exceptional leg room and introduces a new standard of comfort on a single-aisle jet that is traditionally offered only on much larger airplanes. The E2 cabin will have options for Wi-Fi internet connectivity and individual screens for in-flight entertainment, among other amenities.
Another innovation under analysis by Embraer that is featured in the cabin mock-up is the placement of a unique welcome screen at the passenger entrance area. Airlines may find this feature to be a potential source of additional revenue where they can display advertising or reinforce their brand.
To be attractive to leasing companies, Embraer has developed a modular construction approach for the new interior. The modularity concept is built around standard parts and structures, such as common overhead luggage bin parts for all classes. Modularity means airlines and leasing companies benefit from faster reconfiguration, fewer parts, and simplified maintenance.
