Boeing, Embraer Introduce Newest ecoDemonstrator Aircraft

Boeing Co BA and Embraer S.A. ERJ disclosed that they have introduced the next phase of the Boeing ecoDemonstrator program. According to them, the program expanded their cooperation agreement and would test technologies to enhance airplane environmental performance apart from accelerating their introduction into the marketplace.

Boeing and Embraer said an Embraer E170 would serve as the flying testbed. It would also feature advanced environmental technologies, which would undergo operational testing in Brazil in the next two months. The companies stated that ecoDemonstrator tests demonstrated that both the firms continued their investments to enhance fuel efficiency, as well as, environmental performance of aircraft besides meeting the new carbon emissions standard set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) earlier this year.

Boeing's Chief Technology Officer, John Tracy, commented, "As industry leaders, we have a unique opportunity to invest in technologies that encourage our industry's long-term, sustainable development, while supporting our customers' environmental goals."

Similarly, Embraer's EVP of operations, Mauro Kern, said, "Collaborating with Boeing on the ecoDemonstrator program in the structuring and implementation of new technologies tests reinforces, once again, Embraer's commitment towards a sustainable future. At the same time, as we integrate and test different technologies in a single aircraft, we contribute to consolidate in Brazil a powerful tool to support technological development and innovation – the technology demonstrator platform."

The companies said the ecoDemonstrator alliance extended their relationship, which commenced in 2012 when both the companies reached a cooperation agreement to benefit their customers, and the global aviation industry. They added that since then, the two have supported Embraer's KC-390 defense aircraft program and enhanced runway safety by providing commercial customers with tools to cut down runway excursions.

In 2015, the two companies launched a joint biofuel research center in São José dos Campos to perform biofuel research and coordinate research with Brazilian universities and other institutions.