The latest member of Embraer’s E-Jets E2 family made its first flight on December 12. The E175-E2’s takeoff from the Brazilian manufacturer’s headquarters in São José Dos Campos marked the start of a 24-month flight test campaign that should result in type certification and service entry at the end of 2021.

The 90-seat E2 version of the E175 twinjet is powered by new Pratt & Whitney PW1700G engines. Embraer says these will deliver a 16 percent reduction in fuel burn compared with the first-generation E175. It also expects maintenance costs to be 25 percent lower.