Airframer Embraer is pushing ahead with plans for two variants of a clean-sheet turboprop aircraft, designed with the US regional market in mind. Speaking to reporters as part of the company’s presence at the Dubai air show, vice-president for marketing Rodrego Silva e Souza comments that the company is developing the business case for the project and discussing it with suppliers and customers. Talks are taking place with the three main engine manufacturers about the project, with selection due to take place next year. This would see the aircraft launched in the second half of 2022, with an entry into service five years beyond that. Of particular importance are potential sales to US regional operators, with Silva e Souza commenting that whereas Embraer did not initially expect strong demand from the sector, discussions with customers have revealed the need to replace 50-seater turboprop aircraft "and even some jets, in a very sustainable way". This is "bringing another layer of demand to our business case", he adds. Embraer is planning two variants of the equipment, the smaller one of which will be 70 seats in a single-class configuration, Silva e Souza reveals. Adaption to the US market, which typically includes first-class and premium economy seating, would result in around 50 seats on this version. "That's one of the reasons why the airlines are very much motivated to that, because they can replace 50 seats on [existing] turboprops with higher revenue in first class and premium class", explains Silva e Souza. He indicates that the larger variant of the aircraft would be 90 seats in a single-class configuration. Chief executive of Embraer commercial aviation Arjan Meijer comments that the company's plans tally with expectations that sustainable aviation fuel will be required to reduce emissions. "The time for the turboprop to come to market and work with existing technology, including SAF, is what the industry needs for the next at least 20 years". He adds that the project is the "highest on the agenda" at Embraer currently: "We believe that is really the product to focus on."

Grupo Aeromexico has received a joint alliance proposal from lenders under Tranche 2 of its DIP financing facility and from certain existing creditors and new investors. The alliance proposal is supported by group's strategic partner and shareholder Delta Air Lines, Aeromexico notes. It says the proposal provides an implementable solution, through a "solid group of long-term Mexican investors", to comply with foreign ownership requirements. Grupo Aeromexico says its board has instructed its restructuring advisors to prepare a revised version of the Chapter 11 reorganisation plan and a disclosure statement that reflects the terms of the alliance proposal. The hearing to approve the disclosure statement and to confirm the reorganisation plan has been adjourned to a new date to be set in due course by the bankruptcy court. The group says it will work with all key stakeholders to finalise and file the reorganisation plan documents, obtain court approval, and solicit votes in favour of the plan once the disclosure statement is approved, in order to emerge from Chapter 11 proceedings as expeditiously as possible.

EasyJet has joined the United Nations-backed "Race to Zero" campaign to achieve net-zero carbon emissions. This means the UK low-cost carrier aims to set an interim science-based target for 2035 as well as to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Trade group IATA in October also passed a resolution encouraging the global aviation sector to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. The airline says it will submit its interim science-based target to the Science Based Targets initiative for validation and present its net-zero roadmap in the coming months. “Our ambition is to ultimately achieve net-zero emissions flying in the UK and across Europe and we are proactively working alongside industry leaders, such as Airbus and Wright Electric, to help support and champion zero-emission technologies for passenger planes of the future,” EasyJet chief executive Johan Lundgren says.