China’s Ruili Airlines has signed an agreement with Embraer to join its Energia Advisory Group – Energia is Embraer’s project developing sustainable aircraft for the future. The companies will work together on the design requirements for next-generation sustainable aircraft and the potential market in China. Based at Kunming Changshui International Airport, Ruili Airlines is a full-service premium carrier focused on innovation. The airline operates a domestic and international route network across China and Southeast Asia.
“I welcome Ruili Airlines, the first Chinese airline to join our Energia Advisory Group. The partnership between Embraer and Ruili Airlines is a significant step for the Energia project,” said Arjan Meijer, President and CEO Embraer Commercial Aviation. “We look for partners around the globe to share their innovative ideas and operational insights, adding their expertise to the sustainable aviation mission. Ruili Airlines’ perspective will be invaluable in the development of the Energia family of aircraft.”
Ruili Airlines will work with Embraer to help define performance and design requirements for its Energia concept aircraft, two 19-30 seat designs featuring hybrid electric and hydrogen electric propulsion technologies.
“We are excited to collaborate with Embraer on the Energia project. It is a great opportunity for us to work with an OEM to influence the design of sustainable next-generation aircraft, accelerating the development of sustainable aviation in China,” said Ye Yajuan, Chairman of Ruili Airlines. “At Ruili we are committed to breaking new ground and cooperating on innovation to achieve the best results. As the first native airline company of Wuxi, we plan to fully exploit the regional advantages in rapidly growing East China, an increasingly important centre for technology development.”
“We’re excited about the opportunity to work together with Ruili Airlines, exploring innovative ways to contribute to the green transition of China Civil Aviation,” said Guo Qing, Managing Director and VP Commercial Aviation, Embraer China. “Sustainability will be a key differentiator for airlines in the post pandemic market, as environmental awareness and concern increases among passengers. At Embraer we are not only making sure our current aircraft are the most sustainable available today, but also investing in the future alongside our customers. Ruili airlines’ participation has special importance because China is the region most likely to see the largest growth in aviation traffic.”