New agreement raises C-390 hopes for the Middle East

Embraer is to work with BAE Systems in a push to introduce its C-390 transporter to the Middle East market. The two companies will also collaborate in the development of a variant of the electrical vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicle, EVE.specifically aimed at the defence market.

C390 has been on display in Farnborough this week ... and could soon be heading to the Middle East. (Image: Flightglobal)

Embraer and BAE Systems signed two MoUs at the Farnborough air show. The first is to establish a strategic partnership to collaborate in Middle Eastern markets for the C-390, with an initial focus on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

“The MoU for the C-390 Millennium draws on the collective strengths of two leading aerospace players, BAE Systems and Embraer. The aircraft brings a new concept to market, offering a versatile and multi-mission platform with very low operating costs and fast turnaround, which is an unbeatable combination,” said Jackson Schneider, President and CEO, Embraer Defense & Security.

Ian Muldowney, Chief Operating Officer for BAE Systems Air sector said: “This collaboration recognizes the capability of the C-390 Millennium aircraft combined with BAE Systems’ extensive knowledge and understanding of international markets including experience in standing up military capability and delivering industrialization through the support, maintenance, and training solutions for complex aircraft.”

For the eVTOL collaboration, the companies intend to create a joint venture that will bring together the complementary skills of Embraer and BAE Systems to pursue the potential development of a defense variant, with Eve being the platform provider.

“Teams from BAE Systems and Embraer will continue working together to explore how the aircraft, designed for the urban mobility market, can provide cost-effective, sustainable, and adaptable capability as a defence variant,” explained Schneider.

“Our customers’ operating environment is increasingly complex and eVTOL is just one example of how we’re looking at emerging technologies, including those from the commercial market," said Muldowney  "We are exploring how we can adapt these solutions to bring vital operational capability to our customers quickly and at a lower cost - whilst also supporting environmental and sustainability goals” he added.

The decision to work together on a defence variant of EVE had been mooted late last year.

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