Embraer has postponed a decision on whether to proceed with development of a large turboprop aircraft until at least next year.
The aircraft manufacturer said there is strong demand for such a plane for regional flying, but that few suppliers can “meet targets on performance, maintenance and sustainability.”
Embraer wasn’t specific about the supplier challenges it faces, but Aviation Week reported that the primary delay likely revolves around engine selection. Pratt & Whitney and Rolls-Royce have been competing for the project.
Earlier this year, Embraer said it expected to select an engine manufacturer before the end of the year.
Embraer has been seriously considering the development of 70- and 90-seat turboprop planes. The aircraft would have first-class and economy cabins, similar to the 76-seat Embraer ERJ-175 jet that is flown today by several regional carriers in the U.S.
The timing could be ripe for a next-generation turboprop, Embraer believes, in large part because the aircraft would be more fuel-efficient than regional jets.
Embraer envisions positioning the twin turboprops on the rear of planes, a feature that the company believes could help reduce hesitancy in the U.S. market, where many flyers don’t like propeller planes.
Among large U.S. carriers, only Alaska Airlines still flies propeller planes. However, the carrier plans to phase out its DeHavilland Dash 8 planes by the end of next year Alaska currently has 17 Dash 8s, which are also known as Bombardier Q400s.
