After months of negotiation, the Portuguese government signed an agreement with Embraer on Thursday to manufacture five units of the KC-390 multi-mission transport jet for the country’s air force.
The deal amounts to 827 million euros and foresees the delivery of the first aircraft in 2023 at the rate of one unit per year. In addition, Embraer will deliver a flight simulator, support and service for 12 years to the Portuguese Air Force.
The Brazilian manufacturer celebrated the first international contract of the new aircraft: “This is the highest achievement of a careful selection process that makes us proud, representing the entry of the KC-390 into the international market. The KC-390 will meet Portugal’s operational needs, ensuring the ability to integrate with allied nations for decades to come,”said Jackson Schneider, CEO of the Brazilian company’s defense division.
Portugal’s connection with the KC-390 program goes further. The country is Embraer’s largest international partner and produces parts of the aircraft’s components.
As in Brazil, Portugal will use its KC-390 in place of Lockheed Martin’s old C-130 Hercules turboprop fleet. FAP currently has four Hercules in service and they are expected to continue operating for another decade.
The KC-390 received the Type Certificate from the National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) of Brazil in October 2018 and is in full serial production. The delivery of the first unit to the Brazilian Air Force should take place on September 4.
