The E175, which is manufactured by Brazilian owned Embraer, just joined American Airline’s fleet of regional sized planes in Corpus Christi. Courtesy Photo
Half the regional American Airline flights offered at Corpus Christ International Airport will now be aboard the company’s newly purchased Embraer 175 aircraft. The planes come with 12 first class seats, 20 main cabin extra seats and 44 main cabin seats, along with that “new car smell” announced a news release from the airport.
The E175s replace CR9s, continuing a sales battle between the two jet manufacturers, which put their planes on the market at about the same time: The CR9 in 2003 and the E175 in 2004. The rapid shift in sales to the E175 in the regional flight market surprised even the Embraer executives according to industry analysts. They credit the newcomer’s popularity to a wing modification that lowered fuel burn by 6.4 percent. At $6 per gallon for jet fuel, that can add up to a big savings per flight.
The Canadian owned CR9 didn’t respond with its own modifications until 2014, losing out on a major sales pitch opportunity to its Brazilian competitor. The CR9 modifications gave its planes a 5.5 percent fuel burn gain. Also known as the CRJ900, this small twin engine jet seats 79, with nine in first class. Both jets are popular in the regional market and meet the need of airlines looking to replace their 50 seaters with slightly bigger — and more comfortable — aircraft.
