The U.S. market for 50-seaters has picked up so much that operators are seeking aircraft on the used market, according to Aircraft Value News, RAN’s sister publication which this week published its outlook for the type. The publication attributes the result to continued changes in the relationship between the U.S. majors and regional airlines, which were predicted to contract, but has resulted in new market opportunities for 50 seaters. While the recovery in the lease rentals has not returned to previous levels they have at least increased to a point which makes them relative attractive assets once more.
The launch of the CRJ1000 represents an important challenge to the Embraer (ERJ) 190/195 family that has managed to secure a sizeable number of orders over the last year. However, the CRJ1000 may be viewed more as a spoiling product until such time as the CSeries may be launched. A further stretch to the CRJ200 may not have seemed possible or desirable after the CRJ900 given the long, thin tube effect.
For a complete analysis of lease rates see this week's issue of Aircraft Value News, which also profiles the Embraer 145 which, it said, has achieved a measure of stability. In addition, it said the specification differences between the European and North Ameican markets are sufficient enough to forestall easy trading between the two regions. European carriers need an additional $1 million in specification.
AVN cites China as the most likely emerging market for the type, especially since European operations are made more difficult because of the high landing landing and other charges which force them into larger equipment. Harbin Embraer Aircraft Industry secured orders from some domestic carriers with first deliveries already completed. The Chinese element is proving important to the ERJ145. Embraer is set to allow China to manufacture parts and could potentially allow some assembled aircraft to be exported. Production of the ERJ145 in China has come to a halt.