With passenger comfort, privacy and safety in mind, Embraer has presented a semi-private configuration for ERJ 145 jets as an aftermarket solution, which includes premium seats. The conversion will be possible through an STC currently under development by Embraer, and all ERJ 145 are eligible to be converted to a semi-private aircraft.

“We constantly assess customer needs to offer innovative solutions and support new market requirements, which is why we developed the new semi-private conversion,” says Marsha Woelber, head of worldwide executive jets customer support and aftermarket sales, Embraer Service & Support. “We have identified this opportunity given the growing number of aircraft with semi-private interiors, which has doubled in two years, from 21 in 2019 to more than 40 in 2021. With the pandemic, we believe this number will increase even more.”

The 50-seater ERJ 145 aircraft can now be configured from 16 to 28 premium seats with one seat configuration on each side of the aisle, increasing social distancing and comfort. Other features are a flat floor and the removal of the overhead bins, which widens passengers' personal space. The full conversion process can be performed at Embraer-owned service centres.

Embraer is targeting passengers who usually travel first class and may require more suitable flight options. The ERJ 145 semi-private jet allows these customers to avoid main crowded airports and save time, providing a premium experience to the passengers who will board from and disembark at a private terminal.

C&L Aviation Services has signed an additional contract for multiple ERJ 135 and 145 semi-private aircraft modifications. The upgrades come on the heels of the recent completion of similar upgrades on a number of ERJ 135 aircraft.

The project consists of converting the aircraft to a 16-23 seat first-class experience complete with in-seat power, LED lighting, WIFI, removal of overhead bins, upgraded leather interior seating, 1x1 seating using C&L's flat-floor modification STC, and the installation of a premium Bongiovi speakerless cabin audio system.

C&L began upgrading the cabins of ERJ aircraft in 2018 and since then has performed over 20 such projects for multiple customers, ranging from 16 to 30-seat conversions. Many of these plans were in place before the onset of the global pandemic, however since that time C&L has begun talks with numerous customers looking for innovative and cost-effective solutions that provide passengers with a luxurious, more comfortable and socially distanced method of air travel.

C&L has been modifying and upgrading the interiors and systems on ERJs for several years and specialises in converting these aircraft into business-class and luxury jets. C&L also provides on-site engineering, avionics support, aircraft exterior painting and heavy maintenance services. The company also carries one of the world's largest inventories of ERJ parts in its warehouse, which helps to reduce maintenance times associated with these types of projects. Currently, the company is developing several other ERJ upgrades including a new first-class seat design.

“C&L has been totally committed to providing a full suite of services to Embraer operators for years,” says Calvin Tuitt, senior VP of business development MRO. “We believe that these solutions can be best accomplished by aftermarket facilities like ours because of our experience, flexibility and proven cost-saving processes.”

C&L's offerings for operators looking to upgrade their ERJ 135/145 aircraft include a tiered package of options that are built for certain price points. Operators looking for an interior that is truly unique can chose from C&L's à-la-carte options and innovative solutions to help turn their vision into reality.

“Customers continue to bring their aircraft to us for semi-private upgrades because of our willingness to provide the level of interior conversion they require to achieve their goals,” says Tuitt. “It's been refreshing for each customer I have spoken with when I explain all that we are capable of here at C&L, and how experienced we already are in performing this type of work.”