Francisco Gomes Neto, CEO of Brazilian aircraft maker Embraer, told CNBC that the company is studying markets and new technologies that might warrant it building an all-new jet.

The new plane could help the planemaker compete with larger rivals Airbus and Boeing, which deliver hundreds of planes a year, while Embraer delivers just a few dozen.

But Gomes Neto noted that no decisions have been made.

“At this point, we have no concrete plans to launch a large narrow-body aircraft,” he said, adding that studies of new engine technology, avionics and potential demand “are yet to be prepared.”

Meanwhile, Gomes Neto said Embraer is focusing on improving performance and sales of its regional jets, which won an order from American Airlines earlier this year to build its E2 jet, and “delivering on our commitments to our customers.”

Embraer said on Friday it delivered 16 commercial aircraft in the third quarter, up more than 5% from the same period last year. Including defense and business aircraft, the company delivered 57 aircraft in the quarter, up a third from the same period last year.

Earlier this month, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approved the freighter version of the E190 passenger-to-freighter aircraft, paving the way for its commercial launch.

“That’s probably our advantage: we have a great product,” Gomez Neto said.

Both Airbus and Boeing have struggled to increase production and deliver aircraft on time after the outbreak. Boeing also faces the additional challenges of a safety crisis and a mechanics strike.

Boeing had planned to take over Embraer’s commercial aircraft business but ended negotiations in early 2020. Last month, Embraer said Boeing would pay it $150 million for the failure of the plan.

Like its competitors, Embraer is also facing supply chain pressures brought on by the pandemic, and the company is taking a deeper look at its delivery capabilities.

Gomez Neto said engines, hydraulic valves, cabin interiors and their components are some of the areas where suppliers are struggling to increase production. He added that he expected supply chain issues could ease by 2026.
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