Embraer is also in talks with Pratt & Whitney, Rolls-Royce, and GE about providing an engine for the plane, with a decision expected in the second half of this year, Embraer Commercial Aviation President Arjan Meijer said.
Meijer said the proposed Embraer turboprop would be less noisy than existing planes and have 70- and 90- seat versions, with the larger one carrying more passengers than the ATR72.
He said he could not reveal the company's program cost estimate, but added that it was in talks with several financial and industrial partners for development.
Rolls-Royce Civil Aerospace President Chris Cholerton said his company, which is weighted toward widebody aircraft engines, was working to put forward a compelling turboprop engine proposal to Embraer.
"I think we would see significant reductions in fuel burn, and therefore we are very positive about the potential of that product," he told reporters at the airshow.
Rolls-Royce is also conducting an engine study for Boom Supersonic, which plans a 55-seat supersonic passenger jet.
Cholerton said Rolls-Royce remained engaged with Boom but emphasized it was a study, not a contract, and considerations such as the size of the market for the jet had to be taken into account.
Via Reuters
