Air TransportThe CEO of Lufthansa, Carsten Spohr, said that Embraer is capable of competing with Airbus and Boeing in the production of larger commercial aircraft, according to Valor Economico.
Spohr came to Brazil to meet with Embraer executives and discuss innovation projects, a topic he considers fundamental given the slow technological evolution of the sector in the last two decades.
“I think Embraer is strong enough to compete with Airbus and Boeing,” Spohr said. However, Lufthansa recently opted for the rival from the E2 family, the Airbus A220, when it decided to acquire jets for the Lufthansa City subsidiary.
The group, however, has 43 first-generation E-Jets, which operate in companies such as Austrian Airlines and Air Dolomiti.
The chief executive also noted that sector consolidation faces significant regulatory barriers, in addition to ownership and control restrictions.
The aerospace industry has been facing production issues, particularly related to the shortage of engines. Spohr reported that 20 aircraft from the Lufthansa group remain grounded daily due to the unavailability of Pratt & Whitney engines.
He also mentioned that the group finalized the acquisition of 41% of ITA Airways and is analyzing a potential operation involving TAP Air Portugal.
According to Spohr, the airline sector remains highly fragmented, with the Lufthansa group holding about 4% of the global market.
