Embraer showed off the short-field performance of its E190-E2 regional jet during a demonstration flight in South Korea Tuesday. Given the results, it might be easier now for some private pilots to imagine airline service coming to their small home airports.
The Embraer jet took off from Gimpo International Airport (RKSS) in Seoul and flew to Pohang (RKTH), passing over Ulleungdo Island and returning. The crew performed a simulated short-field landing at Pohang, using 1,066 meters, or just less than 3,497 feet of runway.
The aircraft was not kept light for the trip. It carried 80 passengers—out of a maximum of 114 in single-class service—who were guests of the company, plus enough fuel for the return flight to Seoul. The company said the E190-E2’s performance makes it the only current narrowbody model that can use runways of 1,200 meters, or 3,937 feet, like the strip at the Ulleungdo Island Airport, which is scheduled to open in 2025.
Embraer also signed a memorandum of understanding with the governor of Gyeongsangbuk-do to collaborate on certain matters related to aviation in the country’s largest province. The government’s transportation goals include strengthening the travel network among its provinces with aircraft that have enough range for routes up to seven hours and the capability to operate from short runways, Embraer said.
