The concept cabin interior for the Embraer's second generation of E-Jet airliner platform, the E-Jet E2 has received the prestigiou...
The prize was announced at the annual Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg, Germany, by the Crystal Cabin Award Association in recognition of outstanding innovation in the field of aircraft cabins.
The E2 cabin concept developed in partnership with UK design firm Priestmangoode themes increased personal space for passengers and their carry-on luggage, and is based on a modularity concept that brings greater flexibility for airlines to reconfigure the cabin.
One of the more significant innovations in the interior is the redesigned overhead bins which will be about 40% larger than those on current-generation E-Jets. The bins allow every passenger to stow one typical roll-aboard bag (the IATA maximum recommended size) in a wheels-first position.
In Economy Class, the E2s retain the advantages of two seats on each side of the aisle for greater passenger comfort faster boarding and deplaning. The 18.3-inch wide slim-type seats – among the widest in the industry – provide more leg room for passengers.
New individual control panels for lights and air-conditioning (the Passenger Service Unit - PSU) enhance personal space with more ergonomic and intuitive controls that were inspired by the automotive industry.
The windows have been redesigned to create the feeling of a larger cabin with abundant natural light. The E2 cabin will have options for Wi-Fi internet connectivity and individual screens for in-flight entertainment, among other amenities.
Another key requirement in the development of the new interior was easy reconfiguration. A modular approach was adopted to reduce transition lead time and costs. Leasing companies are playing an increasingly important role in aviation and several features were added to the interior design to address their specific requirements.
The narrow body medium range E-Jets E2 family will cater to the 70-130 seat segment with improved aerodynamics and new generation engines.
The new E-Jet variants will compete with the Bombardier CS100 and CS300 airliners and is slated to enter service from 2018.
The first delivery of an E-Jet E2 (the E190-E2) is expected for the first half of 2018. the E195-E2 is scheduled to go into service in 2019 and the E175-E2 in 2020.
The E-jets E2 will be powered by two Pratt & Whitney's PW-1000G geared turbofan engines and sports Honeywell Primus Epic 2 avionics package.
Other six more cabin innovations were also awarded at the event.
