The True Operating Cost of Embraer E190
The Embraer E190 is a modern regional jet offering 98-seat capacity, advanced avionics, and exceptional fuel efficiency. Plan for $300,000–$365,000 annually in operating costs at 100 flight hours, or $3,000–$3,650 per hour. The E190 leads regional markets with state-of-the-art technology and strong charter economics.
Quick Specs: Embraer E190
| Specification | E190 |
|---|---|
| Engines | 2 × General Electric CF34-10E (11,045 lbf thrust each) |
| Fuel Burn | 300–340 gal/hr cruise |
| Cruise Speed | 505–535 mph |
| Service Ceiling | 43,000 ft |
| Useful Load | 29,000–31,000 lbs |
| Seats | 98 (maximum) |
| Range | 2,600–3,000 nm |
TL;DR: Embraer E190 Annual Operating Cost Summary
- Fixed costs: $160,000–$206,000/year (insurance $38,000–$52,000, hangar $36,000–$48,000, annuals $36,000–$48,000, crew training)
- Variable costs at 100 hours: $155,000–$180,000/year (Jet-A fuel, oils, engine reserves)
- Total at 100 hours: $300,000–$365,000/year (~$3,000–$3,650/hour)
- Finance a $17,000,000 E190: Add $251,000/month ($3,012,000/year) at 6.5% over 10 years
- At 50 hours: ~$227,500–$283,000/year (~$4,550–$5,660/hour)
- At 200 hours: ~$455,000–$565,000/year (~$2,275–$2,825/hour)
Modern Regional Jet Operating Costs
Fixed Costs
- Insurance: $38,000–$52,000/year for $20,000,000–$24,000,000 hull
- Hangar: $36,000–$48,000/year (regional jet facility)
- Annual inspection: $36,000–$48,000 labor (98-seat complexity)
- Crew training/proficiency: $10,000–$14,000/year
Variable Costs (per flight hour)
- Jet-A fuel: 320 gal/hr × $5.50/gal = ~$1,760/hour
- Oil and lubricants: $18–$26/hour
- Engine reserves: $23–$30/hour ($140K per engine ÷ 6,000 TBO × 2)
- APU maintenance: $18–$26/hour
- Avionics/systems: $140–$180/hour (modern avionics)
- Landing/handling fees: $160–$320/landing
Jet Fuel & Operating Economics
Fuel Cost by Hours
| Annual Hours | Gallons Jet-A | Cost @ $5.50/gal | $/Hour |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | 16,000 | $88,000 | $1,760 |
| 100 | 32,000 | $176,000 | $1,760 |
| 150 | 48,000 | $264,000 | $1,760 |
| 200 | 64,000 | $352,000 | $1,760 |
Maintenance & Engine Reserves
General Electric CF34-10E Engines
- CF34-10E: 6,000 hours TBO
- Overhaul cost: $155,000–$190,000 per engine
- Combined reserve: $345,000 ÷ 6,000 = $57.50/hour
- Reliability: Modern commercial turbofan with excellent support
Modern Regional Jet Maintenance
- APU maintenance: $10,000–$14,000/year
- Air conditioning: $8,000–$12,000/year
- Avionics updates: $6,000–$10,000/year
- Pressurization systems: $6,000–$10,000/year
- Budget: $170–$215/hour for all maintenance
Insurance & Storage
Modern Regional Jet Insurance
- $20,000,000 hull: $38,000–$46,000/year
- $24,000,000 hull: $48,000–$56,000/year
- Charter operations: +40–60% premium
Storage Costs
| Option | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Regional Jet Hangar | $3,000–$4,000 | $36,000–$48,000 |
| Tie-Down | $900–$1,400 | $10,800–$16,800 |
Annual Ownership Scenarios
Operating Cost (Not Financed)
| Hours/Year | Fixed | Variable | Total | $/Hour |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | $183,000 | $154,000 | $337,000 | $6,740 |
| 100 | $183,000 | $308,000 | $491,000 | $4,910 |
| 200 | $183,000 | $616,000 | $799,000 | $3,995 |
Total Cost of Ownership (With Financing)
Assume $17,000,000 Embraer E190, 6.5% APR, 10 years = $3,012,000/year debt service.
| Hours/Year | Operating | Finance | Total | $/Hour |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 | $491,000 | $3,012,000 | $3,503,000 | $35,030 |
| 200 | $799,000 | $3,012,000 | $3,811,000 | $19,055 |
Financing the Embraer E190
- Purchase price: $13,500,000–$20,000,000
- Down payment: 15–20%
- Loan amount: $11,000,000–$17,500,000
- Term: 10–15 years
- APR: 5.75–7.0% (2025)
- Monthly payment: $215,000–$350,000
Lender Requirements: 650+ credit, commercial airline experience, $2,500,000+ annual revenue, business plan, hull insurance $20M+. Lenders like JakenAviation support regional jet financing for charter and commercial operators.
Embraer E190 vs. Competitors
- vs. Bombardier CRJ900: E190 98 seats; CRJ900 90 seats. E190 more modern
- vs. Airbus A220: A220 larger and more advanced; E190 proven platform
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Sources: Embraer Aircraft Specs | AOPA Owner Reports | FAA TCDS