Here the original post from the Brazilian article translated with Google Translator
Embraer wants to develop a new turboprop plane
Embraer believes that currently there is not enough competition or innovation in the turboprop market
Posted on 01/06/20
In a results conference call held today, June 1, Embraer's CEO confirmed that the manufacturer was considering developing a new turboprop. The turboprop would be a project in which there could be a lot of space for a future partnership.
A brand new turboprop for Embraer
When asked about future partnership opportunities in the commercial business section, Embraer CEO Francisco Gomes Neto reported:
“We started studies on this project. This project is a good candidate for a partnership. There are potential markets that may be very interested in having this aircraft. "
An Embraer spokesman added the following:
“Given the little competition in the TP (turboprop) market and the lack of innovation seen in this segment for so long, we are looking at a TP.”
Earlier this year, Boeing and Embraer were studying a new turboprop. The reason why this would be done in a partnership was because of the amount of money needed to develop an entirely new aircraft and market it, something that Embraer does not have on its own. Now that Embraer is no longer in partnership with Boeing, it needs to find a new partnership to promote this product.
Embraer noted that China and India are two potential partnership opportunities. The manufacturer is reviewing the business models. Currently, the aircraft manufacturer is in the middle of building a five-year plan focused on growth and profitability. A turboprop could play that role perfectly.
What role would a turboprop play?
There is little competition in the turboprop market. Commercially available currently for sale are the ATR turboprops and the Dash 8-400. The other turboprops are smaller and are not common among major commercial airlines. Another turboprop that is preparing to enter service is the Ilyushin Il-114-300.
For most airlines, the past few years have been a departure from turboprops. US regional airlines have sought to get rid of them and replace them with new jets. However, now, with changes in the foreground, some studies show that turboprops may be the answer.
Turboprop engines have also advanced in technology. Nowadays, they are much faster and offer more comfort than most people traditionally recognize with a turboprop. Currently, luggage is becoming less of a problem. Embraer has certainly also learned a lot over the years, which could easily go into a new turboprop.
There are a few ways that Embraer could use a new turboprop. First, he could choose to develop one for smaller markets, for example, in the 40 to 60 seat range, and another in larger markets in the 60 to 90 seat range. This would give the company maximum coverage of the main turboprop markets. However, Embraer would not like this new aircraft to depart from its star E-Jet E2. Thus, turboprops would probably be better suited for short-range missions.
In general
There is no official schedule, a name for this project or even an idea of what the aircraft will look like. Embraer has a lot of work to do before entering service. First, he will need to find a new partner to find the money needed to support such an endeavor. After that, it will have to market the aircraft and attract potential customers. Needless to say, it will probably take a few years for a new turboprop to enter the Embraer market.
Source: https://diariodaaviacao.com.br/fabrican ... turboelice
As stated in the article China (presumably COMAC or AVIAC) and India (presumably Hindustan Aeronautics) are two potential partnership opportunities for Embraer. Hindustan however already have the HAL/NAL Regional Transport Aircraft project and AVIC have the Xian MA700 project.
I think it will be interesting to see how this plays out as with the virtual end of Dash 8 ATR is the only competitor in the larger turboprops market.