Aero is Embraer’s main partner in Czech Republic on the C-390 aircraft for the Czech Air Force

Prague, October 17, 2023 – Aero and Embraer have signed an addendum to deepen and refine the areas of cooperation based on the Memorandum of Understanding concluded in June 2022. The addendum includes, among other things, a potential increase in Aero’s production share in the C-390 programme, increasing the value of the existing cooperation with Embraer and cooperation in fulfilling specific requirements of the Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic for the procurement of C-390 aircraft for the Czech Army. Embraer forecasts strong worldwide demand for the C-390 aircraft, which will have a significant number of parts being produced by the Czech aerospace industry.

The Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic has announced the selection of the C-390 for the Medium Transport Aircraft programme and the start of contract negotiations with Embraer. The industrial cooperation with Czech industry is a very important part in implementation of this upcoming project.

Aero has been cooperating with the Brazilian renowned manufacturer Embraer since 2011. It produces significant parts of the C-390 aircraft, including the complete wing leading edge, doors, cargo ramp and the second part of the C-390 rear fuselage. The Czech aerospace industry is a strong beneficiary of the commercial success of this aircraft, which has been selected by Portugal, Hungary, Netherlands, Austria and now the Czech Republic, in addition to Brazil. Any C-390 sold worldwide will increase the Czech industry exports and potentially create new jobs in Czech Republic.

“We developed and certified the C-390 transport aircraft parts at Aero. We are pleased that Embraer is deepening its cooperation with us today and we will continue to be one of its most important suppliers. Moreover, the value of this cooperation will most likely significantly exceed the total value of the C-390 contract for our military, which is good news not only for Aero, but also for the entire aerospace industry in the Czech Republic,” said Viktor Sotona, CEO and President of Aero, after signing the amendment.

“We are very pleased about extending our cooperation with Aero since they have been a key partner in the overall development and current production of the C-390 aircraft, as well as a major industrial partner in the Czech Republic and the entire Central European region. We believe that this partnership will add even more value to the Czech aeronautical industry,” said Bosco da Costa Junior, CEO and President of Embraer Defense & Security.

The C-390 Millennium and its mid-air refueling configuration, the KC-390, represent a new generation of multi-purpose military transport aircraft that already offer unmatched mobility and cargo capacity, rapid reconfiguration, high availability, enhanced comfort and flight safety, as well as low lifetime operating costs – all within a single platform. The aircraft can carry 26 tonnes of cargo (up to 7 standardised military pallets), placing it in the medium category. It is powered by two IAE V2500 jet engines. The aircraft can also be equipped with a firefighting module, which can significantly contribute to firefighting not only in the Czech Republic, but in the entire Central European region.

Embraer is a global aerospace company based in Brazil. It operates in commercial and private aviation, defence, security and agricultural aviation. The company designs, develops, manufactures and markets aircraft and systems. It provides after-sales services and service support to customers. Since its founding in 1969, Embraer has delivered more than 8,000 aircraft.

AERO Vodochody AEROSPACE a.s.

AERO Vodochody AEROSPACE a.s. focuses on the development, production, maintenance and improvement of civil and military aircraft and is the largest aircraft manufacturer in the Czech Republic and one of the oldest aircraft manufacturers in the world. In the field of own aircraft, AERO is a permanent partner of a number of military air forces and has a strong position in the market for military trainer and light combat aircraft. With 11,000 aircraft produced in its 100 years of existence, hundreds of L-39 Albatros aircraft still in service with dozens of military operators and a number of demo teams, and especially with its new L-39NG aircraft, AERO has established itself as a leader in the global jet trainer market. In the civil aviation sector, AERO works with major aircraft manufacturers on a wide range of projects and is a partner in several risk-sharing programs, where it is responsible not only for the manufacture and assembly of aircraft assemblies, but also for their development.

Contact:
Radka Černá, PR & Communications Manager
e-mail: radka.cerna@aero.cz
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