The Portuguese Air Force (FAP) took delivery of its second KC-390 Millennium in a ceremony at Embraer’s facilities in Gavião Peixoto on Wednesday.
Portugal was the first customer after Brazil to order the multi-role aircraft. In 2019, the Portuguese government signed a contract to receive five KC-390s, which also include components manufactured in the European country.
As a member of NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization), Portugal has installed standard equipment used by the military alliance.
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The new KC-390 has been given the designation 26902 and will join the first aircraft serving at Beja Air Base since October 2023.
“The second KC-390 Millennium delivery to the Portuguese Air Force is another important step in the process of internationalizing our aircraft, which is increasing its market recognition particularly among NATO nations,” said Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defesa & Security.
“With the delivery of this second aircraft we will accelerate the integration of this distinctive capability in the Portuguese Air Force allowing us to increase the operational missions and prepare additional crew members and technicians for the future to come,” added General João Cartaxo Alves, Chief of Staff of the Portuguese Air Force.
According to Embraer, since entering service with the Brazilian Air Force in September 2019, the current aircraft fleet has accumulated more than 13,000 flight hours, with operational availability around 80% and mission completion rates above 99%.
“The C-390 can carry more payload (26 tons) compared to other medium-sized military transport aircraft and flies faster (470 knots) and farther, being capable of performing a wide range of missions,” says Embraer.
Among them is aerial refueling, a mission that all C-390s can perform as they are pre-equipped with systems and equipment by default, simply installing hose pods and funnels under the wings.
There are currently 40 known orders for the aircraft for Brazil (19), Portugal (5), Hungary (2), Netherlands (5), Austria (4), Czech Republic (2) and South Korea (3).