Embraer Reveals Discussions On Partnership With Chilean Aeronautics Industry

In a ceremony Wednesday in Santiago, Chile, Brazilian and Chilean Defense Ministers signed a Declaration of Intention for that country's participation in the KC-390 military transport jet program. Based on this agreement, Chile's National Aeronautical Enterprise (Empresa Nacional de Aeronautica - ENAER) becomes engaged in the discussions about the development of the airplane and in supplying part of its structure. The declaration also marks the beginning of negotiations regarding the future acquisition of six KC-390 aircraft to equip the Chilean Air Force (FACH).

KC-390 File Photo

"We recently received an unmistakable show of support for the KC-390 from the Brazilian government, with the declaration of intention for an initial acquisition of 28 of the aircraft by the Brazilian Air Force (FAB). We are very pleased to have Chile join is in this program," said Orlando Jose Ferreira Neto, Embraer Executive Vice President, Defense Market. "We have an excellent relationship with ENAER, and we hope to see it grow even more via this partnership that not only reveals the high regard of the Chilean government for the KC-390, which we consider to be a winning product, but also shows our mutual interest in integrating the defense industrial bases of both countries."

The successful partnership between Brazil and Chile dates back to the '90s, when ENAER began to stand out as a supplier of structures for the 50-seat ERJ 145 regional jet, manufactured by Embraer. In 2008, the FACH ordered 12 Super Tucano airplanes by Embraer for pilot tactical training missions, all of which have been delivered and are in operation.

"Participating in the project brings benefits not only to Embraer and ENAER, but also to both nations, by generating jobs and boosting industrial development," stated ENAER's CEO, General Pedro Bascunan. "The possibility of working together on the KC-390 program comes as an important alternative for stimulating the manufacture of aeronautical structures in our facilities. We are grateful for the interest show by Embraer in working with us, every time they begin developing new aircraft, whether civilian, commercial, or military."

FMI: www.embraer.com