Embraer is a Brazilian aerospace manufacturer active in commercial aviation, business jets, defence and aviation support. Established in 1969, it developed from a state-controlled aircraft enterprise into a manufacturer serving several distinct aircraft markets. Regional transports, military trainers and business jets all form part of its product history.[1][2]
Foundation and early products
Embraer was created on 19 August 1969, with an initial mission to develop, certify and manufacture the project that became the EMB-110 Bandeirante. Industrial operations began in São José dos Campos in January 1970. Early work also included the Xavante military jet and Ipanema agricultural aircraft. Later programmes included the EMB-120 Brasilia regional airliner, EMB-312 Tucano trainer and the AMX combat aircraft developed through Brazilian–Italian cooperation.[2]
Commercial aviation
The company was privatised in December 1994, and deliveries of the ERJ-145 regional-jet family began in 1996. The subsequent E-Jets extended Embraer's commercial offering, followed by the second-generation E2 family. Embraer's commercial business presents aircraft and associated support as a coordinated offering for airline operations. The progression from Bandeirante and Brasilia turboprops to ERJ and E-Jet aircraft shows its expansion across different capacities and propulsion types rather than the replacement of every earlier type by one successor.[2][3]
Business and military aircraft
Embraer's business-aircraft development includes the Legacy, Phenom and Praetor lines. Its defence portfolio includes the Super Tucano trainer and light-attack aircraft and the C-390 transport. These products address different users and missions from scheduled passenger transport, despite belonging to the same manufacturer. The diversification is reflected in separate commercial, executive, defence and services activities within the company's published description of its business.[2][1]
Modernisation and support
Aircraft support includes more than supplying replacement parts. Embraer's defence modernisation activity replaces older avionics and systems with updated equipment to extend an aircraft's useful service and adapt it to new missions or regulations. The work can apply to aircraft built by Embraer or by other manufacturers. Its airborne early-warning and control aircraft have also undergone modernisation after extended operation. This separates original aircraft manufacture from later modification and support, both of which can form substantial parts of an aerospace company's work.[4]