A Porter Airlines Embraer E-195 aircraft takes off for Toronto, Canada from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) in Los Angeles, California.
Image: (Photo by Patrick T. Fallon / AFP)
Embraer, a Brazilian aerospace giant, soars as a world leader in aircraft manufacturing. With over 18,000 employees and more than 8,000 planes delivered, it holds the title of third-largest aircraft producer globally. Embraer's success story is fueled not only by its innovative technology but by strategic partnerships within the BRICS alliance.
Embraer excels in three key areas, contributing to more than 50% of their revenue: defence & security (around 25%), commercial aviation (20%), and executive jets (13%). This diversification allows Embraer to cater to a wide range of clients and markets.
Looking beyond traditional business jets, Embraer has delivered South Korea's first Praetor 600, a customised aircraft designed for flight inspection. This deal exemplifies Embraer's ability to adapt to specific needs. In the defence & security sector, South Korea signed a contract for an undisclosed number of Embraer Large Transport Aircraft, along with a comprehensive services & support package. This partnership is further bolstered by a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI), enabling capabilities like maintenance, aircraft assembly, and mission system integration training.
The effectiveness of Embraer's offerings is further cemented by the recent acquisition of the first KC-390 Millenium by the FAP (Força Aérea Portuguesa, Portuguese Air Force). This aircraft boasts standard NATO equipment, mirroring the high performance of the Brazilian Air Force's fleet.
Embraer's commercial aviation sector enjoys triumphs as well. North America's Porter Airlines has expanded its existing order with the purchase of 25 additional Embraer passenger jets. Embraer's E190-E2 and E195-E2 models have secured type certification from the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS). These single-aisle jets hold the distinction of being the world's quietest and most fuel-efficient in their class, making them a prime choice for airlines prioritising eco-friendly operations. Scoot, the budget arm of Singapore Airlines, introduced the E190-E2 into its fleet in 2024. Brazil has also adopted a strategic approach by engaging with the Chinese market, focusing its Embraer services and products on smaller Chinese cities.
European aviation regulations have been successfully navigated by Embraer, with the EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency) granting approval for the E195-E2 aircraft to perform steep approaches into London City Airport (LCY). This is a significant development, allowing airlines to utilise the E195-E2 at LCY, renowned for its challenging landing procedures and short runway. This certification joins the E190-E2, which obtained steep approach clearance in 2021, making both E2 family aircraft fully authorised for operations at LCY.
Embraer's success in Africa further demonstrates its global reach. With over 40 jets operating across 11 African operators, Embraer's aircraft grace the skies for prominent airlines such as Kenya Airways, Egyptair, LAM Mozambique, South African–Airlink, and Air Nigeria.
Embraer continues to soar as a leader in the global aviation industry. It has leveraged its expertise in regional jets and defence aircraft to carve out a niche that differentiates it from Boeing and Airbus. The Brazilian aerospace giant has capitalised on the demand for fuel-efficient, next-generation aircraft, particularly with its E-Jet E2 series, which boasts superior fuel efficiency and lower operational costs compared to some of Boeing's troubled models, such as the 737 MAX. Boeing’s safety issues and production setbacks have created opportunities for Embraer to expand its market share, particularly among airlines seeking reliable and cost-effective alternatives.
Embraer has strengthened its global partnerships through the BRICS alliance, allowing it to tap into emerging markets and bolster its international presence. With steady growth in commercial aviation, defence, and executive jets, Embraer continues to innovate and challenge the dominance of its larger rivals, proving that agility and strategic partnerships can be just as powerful as scale in the aerospace industry.
By Cole Jackson Lead Associate at the BRICS+ Consulting Group
Chinese & South American Specialist