The primary issue affecting development is related to mainline scope clauses negotiated between U.S. pilot unions and airlines. These clauses restrict regional carriers from operating aircraft above certain weight limits or with more than 76 passengers.
Arjan Meijer, President and CEO of Embraer Commercial Aviation, had previously indicated during an investor day in November 2024 that no significant changes to these scope clauses were expected soon. He noted that while there is demand for more fuel-efficient aircraft like the E175-E2, equipped with Pratt & Whitney PW1700G engines, airlines are reluctant to renegotiate agreements with pilot unions.
"Management would like to see as many of those jobs as possible be subject to low pay, few benefits, and loose work rules," according to a past article by Air Line Pilots Association International (ALPA). Without scope protections, management could pit different pilot groups against each other by using various-sized aircraft across carriers.
Industry data highlights another challenge: mismatches between aircraft sizes needed by regional versus mainline operators. According to Airlines for America (A4A), average seat numbers per domestic flight operated by single-aisle aircraft grew significantly from57 seats in2019 up68 seats2024 while single aisle planes averaged168 seats
This places jets like Embraer's E175-E2 which can seat up90 passengers single class configuration or80 three class setup along with Airbus' A220-100 capacity ranging between maximum (135 ) typical two class (100 -120 ) configurations somewhat awkwardly sized being too large regionals due scope limitations yet potentially small mainlines higher operating costs stemming salary scales
Currently only Delta Air Lines operates A220-100 alongside larger variant A220-300 among major US carriers according Cirium Diio Mi airline planning tool American Airlines United Airlines smallest fleets include either A319ceo Boeing737-700 latter both cases
In conclusion despite ongoing interest predecessor model continuous global market conditions supporting need further iterations remains clear without resolution surrounding critical legislative aspects impacting industry progress remain stalled foreseeable future
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