Embraer E175-E2: 530 mph Regional Jet & The Next-Generation CRJ900 Competitor
The Embraer E175-E2 is not merely a regional jet—it is the next-generation replacement for the aging CRJ900 fleet. With a maximum cruise speed of 530 mph (Mach 0.80), seating for 88 passengers, and Pratt & Whitney PW1700G geared turbofan engines, the E175-E2 offers unprecedented fuel efficiency and cabin comfort. Designed to compete directly with the Bombardier CRJ900 and Airbus A220-100, the E175-E2 represents the future of regional aviation. This is the engineering story of Embraer's most advanced regional jet.
1. Overview: Embraer's Regional Jet Leader
- What: Next-generation regional jet airliner
- Who: Embraer (São José dos Campos, Brazil)
- When: First flight December 2019; certification expected 2026; entry into service 2027
- Where: Assembled at São José dos Campos, Brazil
- Why: To replace aging CRJ900 fleets with more efficient, quieter, and more comfortable aircraft
- How: Geared turbofan engines, advanced aerodynamics, and spacious cabin design
"The E175-E2 is the most advanced regional jet ever built," said a Embraer executive. "It combines the proven success of the E-Jet family with the latest engine technology and aerodynamic improvements. It will be the quietest, most efficient, and most comfortable aircraft in its class." [Source: Embraer]
2. Top Speed & Performance Metrics
The E175-E2 delivers performance that surpasses its predecessor and competes directly with the CRJ900.
- Maximum Cruise Speed: 530 mph (461 knots / 854 km/h) – Mach 0.80
- Range (max payload): 2,150 nautical miles (3,980 km)
- Service Ceiling: 41,000 feet (12,500 meters)
- Takeoff Distance: 5,400 feet (1,645 meters)
- Landing Distance: 4,600 feet (1,400 meters)
- Length: 114 feet 10 inches (35.0 meters)
- Wingspan: 85 feet 6 inches (26.0 meters)
- Height: 32 feet 10 inches (10.0 meters)
- Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW): 100,700 lbs (45,700 kg)
- Maximum Landing Weight: 88,000 lbs (39,900 kg)
- Fuel Capacity: 27,500 lbs (12,470 kg) – 4,075 US gallons
- Engines: 2 × Pratt & Whitney PW1700G geared turbofans (15,000 lbf thrust each)
- Passenger Capacity: 80-88 (typical 2-class: 80, high-density: 88)
- Crew: 2 pilots + 3 flight attendants
- Fuel Burn per Seat: 15% lower than E175-E1, 10% lower than CRJ900
- Noise Footprint: 50% smaller than previous generation
Analysis: The E175-E2's 2,150 nautical mile range is 40% greater than the CRJ900's 1,550 nm, allowing it to operate longer routes like New York to Los Angeles or London to Cairo. Its Mach 0.80 cruise speed is slightly faster than the CRJ900's Mach 0.78.
3. Powertrain & Propulsion System
Engine Configuration — Pratt & Whitney PW1700G Geared Turbofan
The E175-E2 is powered by the Pratt & Whitney PW1700G geared turbofan, the most advanced engine in its class.
- Engine Type: Geared turbofan (GTF) with planetary gear system
- Thrust: 15,000 lbf (66.7 kN) each
- Bypass Ratio: 12.0:1 (vs 5.0:1 for CRJ900's CF34)
- Fuel Burn Reduction: 16-20% compared to previous generation engines
- Noise Reduction: 50% smaller noise footprint
- Fan Diameter: 56 inches (1.42 meters)
- Gear System: Allows fan to spin slower than low-pressure turbine for optimal efficiency
- Manufacturer: Pratt & Whitney
Wing-Mounted Engine Design
Unlike the CRJ900's aft-mounted engines, the E175-E2 uses wing-mounted engines—a design that offers different advantages.
- Cabin Space: Allows for a wider cabin (3+2 seating)
- Engine Maintenance: Easier access from ground level
- Weight Distribution: Engines on wings balance the aircraft
- Cabin Noise: Quieter forward cabin, but more engine noise in aft seats
- Wing Structure: Wing must be reinforced to carry engine weight
"The PW1700G is the most fuel-efficient engine in its class," said a Pratt & Whitney engineer. "The geared turbofan architecture allows us to optimize fan speed and turbine speed independently, achieving fuel burn reductions that were impossible with conventional turbofans." [Source: Pratt & Whitney]
4. Aerodynamics & Velocity Engineering
The E175-E2's aerodynamic design incorporates advanced technologies for efficiency and performance.
- Wing Design: New wing with 0.6-meter tip extension
- Winglets: Advanced blended winglets for 2-3% fuel savings
- Fuselage: 4.5-inch diameter increase over E175-E1 for more cabin space
- Tail Design: Conventional T-tail for pitch control
- Advanced Airfoils: Supercritical wing sections for Mach 0.80 cruise
- Drag Reduction: 5% improvement over E175-E1
- Fly-by-Wire: Digital flight controls for optimized performance
Insight: The E175-E2's new wing and advanced airfoils allow it to cruise at Mach 0.80—faster than the CRJ900's Mach 0.78. Combined with the PW1700G engine's fuel efficiency, the E175-E2 offers 10-15% lower operating costs than its competitors.
5. Comparison: E175-E2 vs Regional Jet Competitors
To understand the E175-E2's position, it must be compared to its primary competitors: the Bombardier CRJ900 and the Airbus A220-100.
\d \d €Context: The E175-E2 offers significant advantages over the CRJ900: faster cruise speed, longer range, better fuel efficiency, and a quieter cabin. However, it faces stiff competition from the A220-100, which offers more seats and longer range.
6. Technical Breakdown: E-Jet E2 Family
The E175-E2 is part of Embraer's E-Jet E2 family, which includes three variants.
| Feature | Embraer E175-E2 | Bombardier CRJ900 | Airbus A220-100 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Passengers | 80-88 | 76-90 | 100-130 \d |
| Max Cruise Speed | Mach 0.80 (530 mph) | Mach 0.78 (515 mph) | Mach 0.78 \d |
| Range | 2,150 nm | 1,550 nm | 3,350 nm \d |
| Engines | PW1700G (GTF) | GE CF34-8C5 | PW1500G (GTF) \d |
| Fuel Burn per Seat | 4.7 L/100km | 5.2 L/100km | 4.2 L/100km \d |
| Noise Footprint | 50% smaller | Stage 4 compliant | Stage 5 compliant \d |
| Production Status | Pending certification | Ended 2020 | Active \d |
7. Engineering Insight: The Geared Turbofan Revolution
The Pratt & Whitney PW1700G geared turbofan engine is the most significant technological advancement on the E175-E2.
Why this matters: Traditional turbofan engines have a single shaft connecting the fan, compressor, and turbine. This forces the fan to spin at the same speed as the turbine—a compromise that limits efficiency. The geared turbofan adds a planetary gear system between the fan and the low-pressure turbine, allowing each to operate at its optimal speed:
- Fan: Spins slower for reduced noise and higher efficiency
- Turbine: Spins faster for optimal power extraction
The result is a 16-20% reduction in fuel burn, 50% smaller noise footprint, and lower emissions compared to previous-generation engines. This technology is why the E175-E2 can achieve Mach 0.80 cruise speeds with fuel efficiency that rivals much larger aircraft.
"The geared turbofan is the biggest advancement in jet engine technology since the high-bypass turbofan in the 1970s," said a Pratt & Whitney engineer. "It's the reason the E175-E2 can offer regional airlines the efficiency of a larger aircraft with the flexibility of a smaller one." [Source: Pratt & Whitney]
8. Why It Matters
The Embraer E175-E2 matters for three reasons. First, it represents the next generation of regional aviation, offering significant fuel efficiency and noise reductions over the aging CRJ900 fleet. Second, it demonstrates Embraer's commitment to innovation in the regional jet segment. Third, it gives airlines a modern, efficient alternative to the CRJ900 as that fleet ages out of service.
With its 530 mph cruise speed, 2,150 nautical mile range, and PW1700G geared turbofan engines, the E175-E2 is the most advanced regional jet ever built. It offers airlines the efficiency of a larger aircraft with the flexibility of a smaller one—all while providing passengers with a quieter, more comfortable cabin.
9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How fast is the Embraer E175-E2?
The E175-E2 has a maximum cruise speed of Mach 0.80 (530 mph / 461 knots / 854 km/h).
How many passengers can the E175-E2 carry?
The E175-E2 typically seats 80 passengers in a two-class configuration and up to 88 in a high-density configuration.
When will the E175-E2 enter service?
The E175-E2 is currently awaiting certification. Entry into service is expected in 2027, delayed from the original 2021 target due to scope clause negotiations in the US market.
What engines power the E175-E2?
The E175-E2 is powered by two Pratt & Whitney PW1700G geared turbofan engines, each producing 15,000 lbs of thrust.
What is the range of the E175-E2?
The E175-E2 has a maximum range of 2,150 nautical miles (3,980 km) with a full passenger load.
Is the E175-E2 better than the CRJ900?
Yes. The E175-E2 offers faster cruise speed (Mach 0.80 vs 0.78), longer range (2,150 nm vs 1,550 nm), better fuel efficiency (10-15% lower operating costs), and a quieter cabin. However, it is also more expensive to purchase.
10. The Future of Regional Aviation
The Embraer E175-E2 is more than a regional jet—it is the future of short-haul aviation. With its geared turbofan engines, advanced aerodynamics, and spacious cabin, it offers airlines the efficiency they need to operate profitably in an increasingly competitive market.
As the CRJ900 fleet ages out of service, the E175-E2 is poised to become the new backbone of regional aviation. It offers passengers a quieter, more comfortable ride while giving airlines the flexibility to serve longer routes with fewer passengers than a larger narrow-body jet.
For those who fly regional routes, the E175-E2 will be a welcome sight—a symbol of the next generation of regional aviation.
📌 RELATED ARTICLES
→ Bombardier CRJ900: 515 mph Regional Jet & The Backbone of Short-Haul Aviation →
→ Airbus A220-300: 150-Seat Regional Jet →
→ Boeing 737 MAX 10: 230-Seat Specs, LEAP-1B Engines →
→ Embraer E190-E2: Next-Generation Regional Jet →
© 2026 SPEEDO SCIENCE | ENGINEERED FOR VELOCITY | Land Speed, Aerospace, Embraer, Regional Jet, Commercial Aviation, Velocity
Sources: Embraer, Pratt & Whitney, FlightGlobal, Speedo Science Database
| Variant | Passengers | Range | First Flight | Entry into Service |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| E175-E2 | 80-88 | 2,150 nm | 2019 | 2027 (expected) \d |
| E190-E2 | 97-114 | 2,850 nm | 2016 | 2018 \d |
| E195-E2 | 120-146 | 2,600 nm | 2017 | 2019 \d |
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