Embraer targets 85 jet deliveries in 2026 as E2 demand surges

Embraer's E2 jet family has captured 76% of the regional jet market, leaving the Airbus A220 in second place.

Embraer expects to deliver 80 to 85 commercial jets in 2026, driven by surging demand for its E2 family and a record $32.1 billion backlog.

"The E2 has a 76% market share versus the Airbus A220, a direct competitor," Arjan Meyer, president and CEO of Embraer Commercial Aviation, said at the company's factory in Sao Jose dos Campos.

The Brazilian OEM has delivered 202 E2s since the aircraft entered service in 2018, accumulating 1.25 million flight hours across 24 customers. Orders and options stand at 397 aircraft. Production time has fallen 28% between 2021 and 2026, with E2 final assembly now taking 40 to 45 days. The commercial backlog of $14.5 billion represents almost five years of production. Including options and future purchase rights, Embraer's potential order book could reach about $52 billion, CEO Francisco Gomes Neto said.

GTF Engine Crisis Recedes

Pratt & Whitney's geared turbofan engine issues that grounded 22% of the global E2 fleet in March 2025 have largely been resolved. Only one or two aircraft remain grounded, Meyer said. "We are very confident that the GTF-related AOGs are behind us."

Defense and New Markets Open

Embraer is pursuing an Indian government tender for 60 to 80 military transport aircraft, pitching its C-390 Millennium against Lockheed Martin's C-130 Hercules. The company has also maintained active memoranda of understanding with Saudi Arabia covering civil aviation, defense, and urban air mobility under the kingdom's Vision 2030 program.

Total group revenue is expected to reach $8.2 billion to $8.5 billion in 2026, up from about $3.8 billion in 2020. The company aims to surpass $10 billion by 2030, supported by Eve, its electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft unit, which could add $1 billion to $1.5 billion annually once eVTOLs enter service in 2028.

The production acceleration and engine recovery signal that Embraer is positioned to capture a larger share of the regional jet market as airlines replace older narrowbodies. Investors will watch for the Indian defense tender decision and further E2 orders from China, where the aircraft is locally certified and discussions remain active.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice.