Brazil’s Embraer looking to step up jet production

New Delhi: Brazilian planemaker Embraer is poised to scale up its production rate of commercial planes from the current 73 to an impressive 120 annually. This expansion comes in response to the demand for alternatives to the Boeing-Airbus duopoly. As the third-largest aircraft manufacturer globally, Embraer specializes in producing regional aircraft with capacities ranging from 50 to 132 seats.

“This year, we have a plan to deliver 75 to 80 planes in the commercial segment, and we intend to ramp up production to 110 to 120 per year,” mentioned Francisco Gomez Neto, CEO of Embraer, in an interview with ET. Embraer is also investigating a clean-sheet design to increase its market presence. While it has not been confirmed if this will result in a commercial jetliner, there are indications that Embraer is focusing on developing a next-generation, narrow-body aircraft to compete with popular models like the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737.

“It could be a new commercial or business jet… a new commercial aircraft that is either larger or smaller than our current offerings,” Neto explained. “We are in discussions with engine manufacturers and researching various wing designs. Our goal is to ensure that any new product we create serves the market for the next two to three decades.”

European aerospace leader Airbus is working on introducing a next-generation single-aisle aircraft in the latter half of the 2030s.

Boeing and Airbus have faced delays in aircraft deliveries, leaving airlines frustrated as they look to upgrade to more fuel-efficient options and launch new services. Emirates CEO Tim Clark highlighted the ongoing supply chain issues, urging plane manufacturers to take accountability: “I am pretty tired of seeing the hand-wringing about the supply chain: you (manufacturers) are the supply chain,” he stated in a recent press briefing.

United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby also championed the need for increased competition in the aerospace sector.

Neto sees potential in the Indian market for both commercial and business jets, as well as military aircraft. He expressed readiness to establish a final assembly line in India, provided they secure substantial orders from local airlines. “We are very open to discussions, but we need a scale of deliveries in India to make it economically viable,” Neto said.

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