Embraer will be celebrating its 55th anniversary on August 19. The company has a history of excellence in developing people and products. It has made significant contributions to the aeronautical industry.
With producing and delivering over nine thousand aircraft to more than 100 countries and a modern portfolio of products, the company currently holds over 800 patents. These, along with several other initiatives, drive continuous innovation that transforms knowledge into high-value industrial activity. Let’s discover a little about the story behind the success of the company.
Embraer: Early Efforts
In the 1930s, Brazil started developing a competitive aeronautics industry with support from the government and private sector. Then, in the 1940s, the Ministry of Aeronautics initiated the project to establish the Aeronautics Technical Center (CTA) and the Aeronautics Institute of Technology (ITA). This set the strategic direction for the sector, focusing on training engineers and advancing technology.
In January 1970, Embraer started operations in São José dos Campos. It has been manufacturing the Italian military jet Xavante and the new EMB-200 Ipanema crop duster for the Brazilian government. During its first decade, the company contributed to national integration with the Bandeirante aircraft. Moreover, it has also developed the executive turboprop aircraft EMB-121 and began exporting. In the 1980s, Embraer expanded internationally and developed new products like the EMB-312 Tucano military training turboprop, the 30-seater commercial aircraft EMB-120 Brasilia, and the subsonic jet AMX in cooperation with Italy. The early 1990s brought financial turbulence, leading to privatization in 1994. Quickly recovering, Embraer regained its leadership with the introduction of the ERJ-145 family of jets in 1996, seating 37 to 50 passengers.
A History Full of Success
In the early 2000s, Embraer focused on creating the E-Jets and became a leader in the market for aircraft with up to 150 seats. It also entered the executive aviation market with business jets like the Legacy 600/650 and Phenom 100. In the Defense sector, Embraer developed the Super Tucano and C-390 aircraft. Additionally, it produced the EMB-202A Ipanema, the world’s first mass-produced aircraft certified to fly on biofuel, and established the Embraer Institute, primarily focusing on education.
In 2020, innovation, sustainability, and business efficiency drove the company’s recovery in the global air transport industry amidst the pandemic. The company had a good strategic plan. This led to the resumption of commercial activity in all business units and the creation of value for society. Embraer is now positioned as a competitive company focused on building the sustainable aviation of the future. Embraer’s backlog is valued at US$21.1 billion and has a global presence.
In 2024, Embraer is implementing its strategy to increase aircraft production and anticipated expansion with investments. The company has been encompassing research and development initiatives for new technologies.
