Neto emphasized the ongoing collaboration with ASTK for the success of the Defense Acquisition Program and civil aviation.
By Go Seol-bong, Reporter
Published on October 10, 2024, 07:30:23
This article was originally published on October 8, 2024, at 15:25 by The Bell.
(https://www.thebell.co.kr/free/content/ArticleView.asp?key=202410081453577440109336)
Embraer, the world’s third-largest aircraft manufacturer, is expanding its footprint in the domestic market. After being selected for South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program’s large transport aircraft program (LTA-II) at the end of last year, the company has actively forged partnerships with domestic aircraft manufacturers, making a mark not only in defense but also in the commercial aviation market.
Embraer is strengthening its collaboration with ASTK, a domestic aircraft parts manufacturer. Since 2018, ASTK has been involved in the assembly of Embraer’s E2 business jet airframes. Recognized for its precision machining capabilities, ASTK is also participating in the military transport C-390 project.
Caetano Spuldaro Neto, Embraer’s Vice President for Defense and Security Sales and Business Development in Asia and the Middle East, visited South Korea to attend the defense exhibition KADEX 2024 held at Gyeryongdae on October 4. This year marks Embraer’s 55th anniversary, during which it has produced and delivered 9,000 aircraft to over 100 countries and holds 800 patents.
Neto stated, “To respond to the increasing production of aircraft and future growth, we are investing in projects to expand new technologies and aviation services and industrial activities.” He added, “As Brazil’s largest exporter of high-tech goods, Embraer is solidifying its presence in all operational sectors, including commercial aviation, business aviation, defense, and services.”
In the photo from left to right, Caetano Neto and Lee Chang-bae, Executive Director of ASTK’s Management Division, pose for a commemorative photo after a meeting at KADEX 2024 on October 4. *Source: ASTK.
Reflecting its long-standing history, Embraer’s performance is stable, boasting a backlog of approximately $21 billion in orders as of the second quarter of this year—the highest level in the last seven years. Consequently, Embraer’s revenue is projected to be around $6 billion to $6.4 billion this year.
With robust technology and performance, Embraer secured the LTA-II program from South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration to supply a new military transport aircraft to the Republic of Korea Air Force. Under this project, Embraer will exclusively supply the C-390 Millennium military transport aircraft it has developed. To this end, Embraer is also strengthening cooperation with several domestic aircraft parts manufacturers.
Neto mentioned, “For the C-390 program, we have selected Korean suppliers such as ASTK, EMK, and KENCOA,” and emphasized that “Embraer is strengthening its relationship with Korea Aerospace Industries (KAEMS) for the C-390 Millennium project in South Korea.”
Embraer plans to further enhance its collaboration with ASTK, recognizing its global top-tier precision machining capabilities. The partnership spans both commercial aircraft (E2) and defense (C-390) programs, evolving their business relationship.
Neto noted, “ASTK is a key supplier for the C-390 Millennium and was designated as the supplier for the rear fuselage panel of the C-390 in May.” He added, “As business opportunities in Korea’s aerospace and defense industry grow, we will be able to collaborate even more actively with ASTK.”
Embraer’s C-390 military transport aircraft. *Source: ASTK.
Embraer supplies a variety of aircraft to various countries. Neto stated, “The C-390 is being supplied not only to South Korea but also to countries such as the Netherlands, Austria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Portugal, and Brazil,” and reported that “the seventh C-390 was delivered to the Brazilian Air Force last week.”
He explained, “Currently, the cumulative flight hours of C-390 aircraft in operation worldwide exceed 14,000 hours,” with a mission completion rate of 93% and over 99% of missions successfully accomplished, showcasing its exceptional capabilities in the industry.
Moving forward, Embraer aims to further expand its presence in the South Korean defense and civil aviation markets.
He added, “In addition to the C-390 for the LTA-II program, Embraer’s Praetor 600, equipped for various flight inspection tasks, has been operational at Korea’s Flight Inspection Center since late 2023.” He noted that “the advanced Praetor 600 is equipped with AeroData’s latest flight inspection system, AeroFIS®, meeting high-level requirements.”
Neto also mentioned, “In the advanced air mobility (AAM) sector, Embraer’s subsidiary EVE has selected Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) as a supplier for the vertical take-off and landing electric aircraft.”
In the commercial aviation sector, Embraer views the South Korean market as important. Neto highlighted, “The Embraer E190-E2 is one of the most efficient aircraft in the world,” noting that “this aircraft, capable of flying for up to 7 hours, is ideal for airlines looking to expand regional routes within Korea and to neighboring countries.”
He concluded, “We have demonstrated the short runway performance through demonstration flights in Korea, proving that this aircraft can land at island airports.”