Embraer is moving closer to a launch decision for its C-390 tactical transport jet, and says it could officially kick-start the programme this year "if everything goes as expected".
The Brazilian manufacturer's proposed rival to Lockheed Martin's C-130J Hercules turboprop is "under additional studies", says Embraer vice-president market intelligence-airline market Luiz Sergio Chiessi. If the company finds that "at a certain point in time we reach critical mass, we may launch this project along 2008".
While viewed mainly as a defence programme, the C-390 also has commercial cargo applications. The Brazilian postal service last year emerged as a potential launch customer it is considering using C-390s to establish its own cargo carrier to meet domestic transport requirements. Several other nations are also understood to be reviewing the aircraft. "There are talks going on with different parties," says Chiessi, adding that the manufacturer is "confident" about the aircraft's prospects.
The company is also upbeat about the growth potential of its current portfolio, after meeting its goal of delivering a record 169 jets in 2007, including 130 commercial aircraft, 35 for the executive sector and four under defence and government contracts. At year-end its firm order backlog totalled $18.8 billion.
The 30% year-on-year increase in deliveries is directly related to the manufacturing recovery measures adopted by Embraer in 2007, a period during which the company hired 4,500 new workers and implemented a third shift for production processes including final assembly of the E170/E190, says Chiessi.
Embraer is forecasting deliveries of up to 215 jets for 2008, of which 10 to 15 will be Phenom 100s.
Source: FlightGlobal.com
