Embraer Highlights “Power Duo” at Singapore Airshow 2026

Embraer is set to make a significant impact at the Singapore Airshow 2026, scheduled for February 3–8 at the Changi Exhibition Centre. According to the company’s latest announcement, the Brazilian aerospace manufacturer will focus its presence on a “Power Duo” of aircraft: the commercial E195-E2 and the multi-mission military transport C-390 Millennium.

The manufacturer views the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region as a critical driver for future growth. By showcasing these two distinct platforms, Embraer aims to address the region’s dual needs for efficient regional connectivity and modernized tactical airlift capabilities. Both aircraft will be available for viewing on static display throughout the event.

“The dynamic Asia-Pacific region is a key growth driver for Embraer… Airlines in the region increasingly view the E-Jets and E2 as strategic assets for strengthening connectivity across APAC. At the same time, we see strong potential for the KC-390 Millennium as the aircraft continues to gain global traction.”

, Francisco Gomes Neto, President & CEO, Embraer

Commercial Aviation: The E195-E2 “Profit Hunter”

Leading the commercial lineup is the E195-E2, the largest member of Embraer’s E-Jet E2 family. Marketed as the “Profit Hunter,” the aircraft is designed to fill the market gap between regional jets and larger narrowbody aircraft like the Airbus A320 or Boeing 737.

Embraer states that the E195-E2 delivers 25% better fuel efficiency per seat compared to previous generation aircraft, positioning it as the world’s quietest and most efficient single-aisle jet. With a range of approximately 2,600 nautical miles (4,815 km) and a capacity for 120 to 146 passengers, the aircraft is targeted at airlines looking to open new routes to secondary cities where larger jets may be economically unviable.

Regional Expansion and Sustainability

The manufacturer highlighted several recent milestones in the APAC region that underscore the E2’s growing footprint:

• Scoot: The Singaporean low-cost carrier has been operating a fleet of E190-E2s since May 2024.
• Virgin Australia: Commenced E190-E2 operations in November 2025.
• All Nippon Airways (ANA): Placed a firm order for 15 E190-E2s with 5 additional options.

Regarding sustainability, Embraer confirmed that the E2 family is currently certified for operations with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) blends, with a goal of achieving 100% compatibility by 2030. This aligns with local regulatory shifts, such as Singapore’s SAF Levy effective from 2026.

Defense: The C-390 Millennium

On the defense side, Embraer is promoting the C-390 Millennium as a modern alternative to legacy turboprop transport aircraft. The C-390 is a jet-powered tactical transport capable of aerial refueling, medical evacuation, search and rescue, and firefighting missions.

According to technical specifications released by the company, the C-390 offers a payload capacity of 26 metric tons (approximately 57,000 lbs) and a top speed of 470 knots (Mach 0.80). Embraer emphasizes that the jet propulsion allows for faster deployment of troops and cargo compared to traditional turboprops.

Strategic Partnerships in Asia

The aircraft has recently gained traction in the Asian market. Embraer noted a selection by South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), marking a significant foothold in the region. Furthermore, the company highlighted a major strategic agreement with India’s Mahindra Group.

“The C-390 is unmatched in capability, efficiency, and versatility, and fully aligned with India’s ‘Make in India’ philosophy.”

, Vinod Sahay, Mahindra Group

This partnership aims to manufacture the C-390 in India to compete for the Indian Air Force’s Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) program, which could involve a contract for 40 to 80 aircraft.

AirPro News analysis

We observe that Embraer’s strategy at the Singapore Airshow 2026 is clearly defined by a “right-sizing” philosophy. In the commercial sector, the E195-E2 is not attempting to compete directly with the range or capacity of the Airbus A321neo; rather, it is positioned as a lower-risk tool for airlines to connect secondary hubs, a specific requirement for archipelagic nations in Southeast Asia.

In the defense sector, the push is technological. By pitching the C-390 against the established Lockheed Martin C-130J, Embraer is betting that air forces will prioritize speed and lower maintenance downtime over the ubiquity of the Hercules platform. The collaboration with Mahindra suggests that Embraer understands that winning in Asia requires industrial localization, not just export sales.

Eve Air Mobility

In addition to the “Power Duo,” Embraer’s subsidiary, Eve Air Mobility, will display a full-scale cabin mockup of its electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicle. Eve recently completed its first full-scale prototype flight in December 2025, signaling progress in the urban air mobility sector.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Embraer press conference?
Embraer will hold its press conference on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at 2:00 PM in Main Hall, Room 3.

What is the range of the E195-E2?
The aircraft has a range of approximately 2,600 nautical miles (4,815 km).

Is the C-390 a turboprop or a jet?
The C-390 Millennium is a jet-powered aircraft, capable of speeds up to 470 knots.

Sources

• Embraer

This article is based on an official press release from Boeing and additional regional market research.

South Asia Aviation Forecast: 3,300 New Jets Needed by 2044

Airlines across India and South Asia are poised for a massive expansion over the next two decades, with a projected requirement for nearly 3,300 new airplanes by 2044. According to a new commercial market outlook released by Boeing, the region’s fleet is expected to quadruple in size to meet surging demand.

The forecast highlights South Asia as one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets, with passenger traffic expected to grow at an average of 7% annually, a rate that significantly outpaces the global average. While India remains the primary engine of this growth, neighboring nations including Bangladesh and Sri Lanka are also accelerating fleet modernization efforts.

Domination of Single-Aisle Aircraft

The composition of this future fleet reflects the unique geography and economic demographics of the region. Boeing projects that single-aisle jets will account for approximately 90% of all deliveries over the 20-year period. These aircraft, such as the 737 MAX and A320neo families, are essential for serving the booming domestic networks and short-haul regional routes that connect Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities.

However, long-haul connectivity is also a strategic priority. The manufacturer notes that the widebody fleet in South Asia is expected to triple by 2044. This shift is driven by a desire among South Asian carriers to establish direct connections to North America, Europe, and Australia, reducing reliance on foreign hubs.

“The region’s fleet is projected to quadruple over the next 20 years… driven by a need for long-haul connectivity.”

, Boeing Commercial Market Outlook

Regional Developments Beyond India

While India’s massive orders from carriers like IndiGo and Air India dominate headlines, market research indicates significant activity in neighboring markets.

Bangladesh and Sri Lanka

According to regional industry reports, Biman Bangladesh Airlines has approved plans to acquire 14 new Boeing aircraft, including 787 Dreamliners and 737 MAX jets, to modernize its operations. This fleet expansion coincides with major infrastructure upgrades, such as the Third Terminal at Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, which is expected to boost annual capacity from 8 million to 20 million passengers by early 2026.

Similarly, Sri Lanka’s aviation sector is showing signs of strong recovery. Data suggests passenger movements grew by approximately 15% in 2025, with the country targeting over 10 million annual passengers as tourism rebounds.

Workforce and Sustainability Challenges

The rapid influx of aircraft creates an immediate demand for skilled labor. Boeing estimates that South Asia will require approximately 37,000 new pilots and 38,000 maintenance technicians to support the fleet expansion through 2044.

Sustainability remains a complex hurdle. While new aircraft offer immediate carbon reductions of 15-20% per seat compared to older models, the transition to Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) faces regulatory and economic barriers. High costs and a lack of local production infrastructure continue to complicate rapid SAF adoption for cost-sensitive carriers in the region.

AirPro News Analysis: The Infrastructure Gap

While the order books are full, the physical capacity to maintain these aircraft lags behind. Industry analysis suggests a growing “hangar deficit” in the region. India aims to have 200 operational airports by 2025, yet the development of Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facilities has not kept pace with terminal construction.

We observe that without a commensurate increase in MRO capacity, airlines may be forced to send aircraft overseas for heavy maintenance. This increases operational costs and downtime, potentially offsetting some of the efficiency gains provided by the new generation of aircraft. The race in South Asia is no longer just about buying planes; it is about building the industrial ecosystem to keep them flying.

Sources

• Boeing

Emirates and Air Peace Activate Bilateral Interline Agreement to Boost West African Connectivity

Emirates and Air Peace, Nigeria’s leading Airlines, have officially activated a bilateral interline agreement as of January 26, 2026. The expanded partnership allows passengers to travel across both carriers’ networks on a single ticket, significantly enhancing connectivity between West Africa, Dubai, and key global markets.

According to the official announcement, the deal upgrades a previous unilateral arrangement into a fully reciprocal Partnerships. Travelers can now book a single itinerary that includes flights on both airlines, with baggage checked through to their final destination. This development positions Lagos as a pivotal transit hub for the region, linking Air Peace’s domestic and regional services directly into Emirates’ massive global route map.

Seamless Connectivity Across Continents

The activation of this agreement unlocks new destinations for customers of both airlines. For Emirates, the partnership provides deeper access to West African markets without the need to deploy additional Commercial-Aircraft to secondary cities. Passengers flying into Lagos on Emirates can now connect seamlessly to 13 domestic Nigerian cities, including Abuja, Kano, Port Harcourt, and Benin City.

Furthermore, the agreement opens up regional West African connections for Emirates passengers. Through Air Peace’s hub in Lagos, travelers can reach:

• Gambia: Banjul (via Abidjan)
• Senegal: Dakar (via Abidjan)
• Sierra Leone: Freetown (via Accra)
• Liberia: Monrovia (via Accra)

Conversely, Air Peace customers gain immediate access to Emirates’ global network. The press release highlights high-demand connections to London, specifically Heathrow, Gatwick, and Stansted, as well as destinations across Asia and the Middle East. This allows travelers from regional West African cities to transit through Lagos and Dubai to reach the rest of the world efficiently.

Executive Commentary

Both airlines have expressed that this partnership aligns with their broader strategic goals of improving African air mobility.

“Enhancing our interline partnership with Air Peace allows us to expand our footprint across more of Africa, creating new opportunities for people to fly better with Emirates, while helping international tourists explore more of the region.”

— Adnan Kazim, Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, Emirates

Air Peace leadership emphasized the role of the agreement in integrating the Nigerian carrier into the global Aviation ecosystem.

“This interline agreement with Emirates represents a major step in Air Peace’s strategic vision to connect Africa more efficiently to global markets… This partnership further reinforces Air Peace’s role as a critical bridge between Africa and the global aviation ecosystem.”

— Nowel Ngala, Chief Commercial Officer, Air Peace

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AirPro News Analysis: Strategic Implications

This agreement represents a significant shift in the competitive landscape of West African aviation. Historically, carriers like Ethiopian Airlines and major European groups have dominated long-haul traffic from the region. By partnering with Emirates, Air Peace effectively “levels the playing field,” offering a competitive product to London and Asia without the capital expenditure required to operate its own long-haul fleet on every route.

For Emirates, the move exemplifies an “asset-light” expansion Strategy. Rather than launching direct flights to every West African capital, which can be operationally costly and complex, the Dubai-based carrier leverages Air Peace’s existing regional density. This strengthens the utility of the Lagos hub and captures traffic from neighboring countries like Liberia and Sierra Leone that might otherwise flow through European hubs.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did the agreement go into effect?
The bilateral interline agreement was activated on January 26, 2026.

What is the main benefit for passengers?
Passengers can book a single ticket for itineraries involving both airlines and have their baggage checked through to the final destination.

Which Nigerian cities are included?
Emirates passengers can connect to 13 cities, including Abuja, Kano, Port Harcourt, Enugu, and Benin City.

Sources

• Emirates