Tuesday, March 11, could hold an important announcement for Embraer in Poland. That’s what Rynek Lotniczy suggests, which revealed that the top brass of the Brazilian company will be in the country for a press conference, including CEO Francisco Gomes Neto.
In an interview with Frederico Lemos, Commercial Head of Embraer’s defense division, the Polish outlet highlighted a possible order for the C-390 Millennium by the Polish Air Force.
The service currently operates 10 old C-130 Hercules turboprops and has been evaluating Embraer’s airlifter since last year.
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The Polish government has been increasing defense spending amid heightened tensions between Europe and Russia following the large-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Poland is one of the biggest supporters of Ukraine’s effort to drive out Russian invading forces while expanding and modernizing its air force.
The choice of the C-390 could come on the heels of deals reached for the aircraft by NATO member states, of which Poland is a signatory.
An integrated force of transport and refueling aircraft would mean lower training and support costs. Portugal, the Netherlands, Hungary and the Czech Republic, among the members of the military alliance, have already opted for the C-390, and Austria has also ordered four aircraft.
A decision by LOT in sight?
On the other hand, an announcement of this kind is usually made by the local government rather than by a company, so it is understandable that a potential deal that would motivate Embraer to visit Poland could have more to do with LOT Polish Airlines.
The Polish national airline is close to announcing an order for up to 84 regional jets to replace and expand its fleet of up to 150 seats.
The Airbus A220 and the Embraer E195-E2 are in the running, but the fact that LOT is a traditional customer of the E-Jets, having been the first airline in the world to operate one of these aircraft in 2004, weighs in favor of the Brazilian company.
In addition, there are three E195-E2s leased and in service with the carrier since last year.
Despite the rumors, the press conference may be just another move to convince the Poles to expand their partnership with the Brazilians. And this also suggests other types of relationships, such as the entry of Polish companies into Embraer’s supply chain.
Therefore, the possibilities are vast.
