London City Airport gears up for larger aircraft – we see the first E195-E2 land
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On Wednesday I was invited to London City Airport to see the arrival of the first Embraer E195-E2 aircraft.
At first glance the E195-E2 looks very similar to the E190 aircraft used by British Airways. Compare the two side by side and you’ll see that the E195-E2 is noticeably longer at 41m and – with a 35m wingspan – wider.
The E195-E2 is one of the tools that London City is using to increase capacity at the airport and hopefully get passenger numbers growing after a torrid few years.
The E195-E2 we saw on Wednesday was operated by Helvetic Airways. Helvetic is primarily a wet lease operator for SWISS, using an all-Embraer fleet.
With 134 seats, the E195-E2 has the lowest fuel consumption per seat of any aircraft type operating at London City.
At the moment the E195-E2 will be used by SWISS on busy flights where the extra seats can be sold – you are more likely to see it on a Monday and Friday, for example.
This is only part of the E195-E2 story
At the moment the E195-E2 is simply being used to add extra seats on existing routes when SWISS needs them.
However, there is more to come.
Embraer has developed an automatic take-off system for the E195-E2 called E2TS – the Embraer Enhanced Takeoff System.
This is not yet certified for commercial use, but once switched on (it is already embedded in the aircraft, but not used) it will allow for a huge step-change in range.
To save me getting too technical you can learn how it works in this article. Basically, with the take-off automated to use the most efficient trajectory, the aircraft can take off with more fuel.
With E2TS in use, the E195-E2 will be able to fly for 4,000 km from London City, even after adjusting for the aircraft modifications needed to handle the steep approach.
The London City team are very excited about the potential of this. Suddenly destinations such as Istanbul, Casablanca, Gran Canaria, Athens and Cairo will be possible for the first time. It already has airlines keen to move in when the technology is approved.
Looking further ahead …. the A320neo?
As we covered in this article in January, London City has submitted an application to the Civil Aviation Authority for permission to handle the A320neo aircraft.
This would be a game changer for the airport, allowing ‘standard’ single aisle aircraft to land and depart. BA Cityflyer would potentially be able to retire its Embraer fleet and replace them with the same type that British Airways is using at Heathrow, albeit with some modifications.
The airport sees real benefits from this – allowing more passengers to travel with fewer flight movements, and opening up many new routes. The A320neo is substantial quieter and more fuel efficient than previous generations of short-haul aircraft.
In order for A320neo aircraft to use London City, the Civil Aviation Authority has to approve a new approach angle for the airport. This will mean aircraft flying lower than currently happens. Airbus has not yet commented on what modifications may be required to the aircraft or what weight restrictions may be needed.
It is expected that the CAA will take at least 18 months to make a decision, but if the A320neo is approved then London City may finally be able to turn the corner.
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