Singapore Airshow: Part Two – Embraer and ATR Target Asia Pacific Growth Opportunities

Why It Matters

The focus on regional jets and turboprops signals a shift toward shorter‑haul connectivity, opening new revenue streams for manufacturers and airlines in the fastest‑growing aviation market.

Key Takeaways

• Asia Pacific backlog >90% narrow/wide‑body jets.
• Embraer forecasts 2,230 sub‑150‑seat jets in 20 years.
• SKS Airways to lease ten E195‑E2s starting 2024.
• ATR and Embraer target India’s regional aircraft market.
• Regional orders/options valued over $7.8 billion.

Pulse Analysis

The Asia‑Pacific aviation market is poised to outpace other regions in passenger growth, driven by rising middle‑class incomes and expanding domestic networks. While legacy carriers continue to dominate the narrow‑ and wide‑body segments, the gap in regional jet capacity presents a lucrative niche. Turboprops have long served secondary routes, but airlines are increasingly seeking faster, more comfortable jets to connect tier‑2 cities, prompting manufacturers to recalibrate product roadmaps for the region.

Embraer and ATR are capitalising on this shift by promoting second‑generation E‑Jets and modern ATR turboprops. Embraer’s forecast of 2,230 sub‑150‑seat jets over the next 20 years reflects confidence in post‑pandemic recovery and the resurgence of point‑to‑point services. Recent leasing agreements—SKS Airways’ ten E195‑E2s and Scoot’s nine E190‑E2s—demonstrate that Asian carriers are willing to adopt newer regional jets to restore connectivity. Meanwhile, ATR is leveraging its fuel‑efficient turboprop portfolio to win orders in markets where runway constraints and cost sensitivity remain paramount, especially in India and Southeast Asia.

The broader implications extend beyond aircraft sales. Leasing firms are mobilising capital to fund these deals, while airlines anticipate lower operating costs and greater schedule flexibility. As regional demand solidifies, manufacturers will likely see a surge in options and firm orders, driving a competitive environment that could compress margins but accelerate innovation. Stakeholders should monitor the evolving APAC backlog, as the balance between narrow‑bodies, wide‑bodies, and regional aircraft will shape fleet strategies and network designs for the next decade.

Singapore Airshow: part two – Embraer and ATR target Asia Pacific growth opportunities

20 Feb 2026 12:30 AM

Singapore Airshow: part two – Embraer and ATR target Asia Pacific growth opportunities

Major aircraft manufacturers at the Singapore Airshow outlined their views on the Asia Pacific airline market, which is widely regarded as having the greatest potential for growth in traffic and aircraft demand.

Part two looks at the Asia Pacific aspirations of regional aircraft manufacturers ATR and Embraer.

While turboprops have a substantial presence in the existing Asia Pacific fleet, this has traditionally been a challenging market for regional jets.

Regional aircraft (jet and turboprop) are under‑represented in the current Asia Pacific backlog, with narrow‑body and wide‑body jets comprising more than 90 % of existing orders.

But both ATR and Embraer see further opportunities for deals in multiple Asia Pacific markets.

It is no surprise that India features highly in the plans of both these regional manufacturers, as it is also a top priority for Airbus and Boeing.

It is no secret that the Asia Pacific region offers the greatest potential for aircraft sales growth, so competition among manufacturers is fierce as they target market segments that will allow them to tap into the forecast demand.

The Singapore Airshow, held 3‑8 Feb 2026, underlined the extent to which aircraft manufacturers are betting on the Asia Pacific region.

While narrow‑bodies dominate the region’s backlog, wide‑bodies, regional jets and turboprops also feature prominently in the plans of the major aircraft companies.

The forecasts and market commentary the manufacturers present at air shows are interesting, as these companies have a good overview of the broader market as well as demand prospects.

In mid‑May 2023 the Malaysian regional carrier SKS Airways announced an agreement with the Florida‑based leasing company Azorra, under which it will lease 10 Embraer E195‑E2s. The regional jets are to be configured with 136 seats in an all‑economy layout. Deliveries are due to start in 2024.

The deal is a rare win for Embraer’s second‑generation E‑Jets family in the Asia Pacific region. It follows an announcement by Singapore‑based Scoot that it will lease nine E190‑E2s, also from Azorra.

Embraer foresees a market for as many as 2 230 sub‑150‑seat regional jets in the Asia Pacific over the next 20 years. Although sales have been slow, Embraer is increasingly confident that its second‑generation of E‑Jets will attract more customers as airlines restore connectivity.

Airbus and Boeing typically grab the headlines at the big airshows, but regional aircraft manufacturers had a particularly strong first day at the bi‑annual Farnborough Airshow.

The smaller aircraft manufacturers – Embraer, Bombardier, Sukhoi, ATR, COMAC and Mitsubishi Aircraft Corporation – collectively announced firm and tentative orders for nearly 130 jets and turboprops, as well as options for another 120 aircraft.

With all orders and options included, the deals are valued at more than USD 7.8 billion.