SE Asia and old continents as key markets

At a press conference during IDEX 2017, Embraer Defence & Security Executive Vice President, Jackson Schneider, explained that the KC-390 multi-mission transport aircraft has successfully been tested and recognised by the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) and Army, in terms of cargo- and paradrop. He furthermore disclosed that, yesterday, on 19 February, the KC-390 has successfully made dry contact in Air-to-air refuelling (AAR) with a Brazilian F-5.

Having showcased the aircraft last year in Eqypt and the UAE, Jackson explained that air forces from the region have flown it (in the MENA region and in Brazil) and, “they absolutely loved it!” In the region the aircraft has proven itself in +45°C and sandy conditions.

The current production schedule sees the first (of28) KC-390 to be delivered to the FAB in 2018, with two aircraft to be delivered that year.

The future holds the aircraft to make an appearance at Paris Air Show 2017, more demos in, “the old continents,” as Jackson put it, and a trip to South East Asia.

Embraer are keen to show the KC-390 to New Zealand in a Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) role, and will enter the tender in the country.

As the KC-390 is , it is able to be reconfigured into the MPA role. Embraer is currently in discussions with two companies that will provide the MPA mission kit.