Embraer teams with Boeing to give KC-390 global appeal

The Brazilian and US manufacturers have said they will share some specific technical knowledge and evaluate markets where they may join their sales efforts for medium-lift military transport opportunities.

"Boeing has extensive experience in military transport and air refueling aircraft, as well as deep knowledge of potential markets for the KC-390, especially those which were not considered in our original marketing plan," said Luiz Carlos Aguiar, president and CEO of Embraer Defesa e Segurança. "This agreement will strengthen the KC-390's prominent position in the global military transport market."

The KC-390 collaboration is part of a broader agreement that Boeing and Embraer signed in April. The companies previously announced that they are exploring ways to cooperate in commercial airplane efficiency and safety, research and technology, and sustainable aviation biofuels. Boeing and Embraer will conduct a joint market assessment for the medium-lift military transport market and analyze business collaboration models. The market assessment includes potential customers that had not been considered in the initial market prospects for the KC-390.

"Embraer is a leading global innovator and we both understand the value of working in partnership to provide high-quality, affordable customer solutions," said Dennis Muilenburg, president and CEO of Boeing Defense, Space & Security. "This collaboration matches Boeing's proven excellence in military transport with Embraer's KC-390 accomplishments to further advance this highly capable and efficient medium-lift aircraft."

The KC-390 is a Brazilian Air Force project for which Embraer signed the development contract in April 2009. It is the biggest aircraft to be manufactured by the Brazilian aerospace industry and will set new standards in the medium-lift market in terms of performance, cargo capacity, flexibility, and life cycle costs.