Embraer Eyes Major Sales Boost for C-390 at Farnborough Airshow

4 months ago Editor

As the 2024 Farnborough International Airshow approaches, Embraer aims to secure additional orders for its C-390 Millenium tactical airlifter. Showcasing two C-390s, Embraer targets key markets including NATO countries, India, Saudi Arabia, and the United States, with projections of a 500-aircraft market over the next 20 years.

As the 2024 Farnborough International Airshow approaches, Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer is poised to capitalize on the event to secure additional orders for its C-390 Millenium tactical airlifter. The company’s president and CEO, Francisco Gomes, expressed confidence in the aircraft’s sales momentum, predicting that Farnborough will be a pivotal moment for Embraer.

Embraer plans to display two C-390s at the show, representing their first customers: Brazil and Portugal. The company currently holds 40 commitments for the C-390, having recently delivered the second of five aircraft to the Portuguese Air Force. These NATO-standard aircraft feature advanced communications and encryption systems.

“We’re expecting to deliver two additional units: one for Hungary and another for Brazil, aiming to end 2024 with ten C-390s in service worldwide,” said Bosca da Costa Jr., head of Embraer’s defense and security division.

NATO countries, along with India, Saudi Arabia, and the United States, are key strategic markets for the C-390. Embraer is actively pursuing opportunities in India, where the government is looking to replace its aging Soviet-era transports. Partnering with Mahindra Aerospace, Embraer aims to establish a final assembly line in India to meet local requirements.

Saudi Arabia, although not yet in an active tender phase for its C-130 Hercules replacement program, presents a potential market for about 25 C-390s. In the United States, Embraer is engaging with the U.S. Marine Corps and the U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command, highlighting the C-390’s value for their operations.

Overall, Embraer sees a potential market for 500 C-390 aircraft over the next 20 years, with an immediate need for 206 units to replace fleets that are over 45 years old. Da Costa is optimistic about capturing a significant share of this market and anticipates announcing positive developments in the coming months.