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By Tom Batchelor and Karl Sinclair

January 12, 2026, © Leeham News: Embraer enters the new year in a strong position: financially sound, operationally stable, and arguably in prime position to disrupt the Airbus-Boeing duopoly. 

Credit: Embraer.

After several years of decline, Boeing is on the up but for now it remains consumed by certification challenges, while Airbus shows little desire to disturb a production system that is sold out well into the next decade.

Against this backdrop, all eyes are on Embraer to see what it will do next. 

The company is known to be exploring a new airplane design in the 180-240 seat range. However, analysts suggest 2026 is unlikely to bring a significant step forward. 

Rather, Embraer is likely to focus on maximising sales of its existing commercial aircraft, strengthening its industrial base, and expanding its services business.