EMBRAER HISTORY (1969-Present)
Embraer S.A. is a Brazilian multinational aerospace corporation that produces agricultural, commercial, executive, and military aircraft. They are also a leading provider of aeronautical services in Brazil. After Boeing and Airbus, Embraer is now the third largest producer of civil aircraft.1940’s-1950’sDuring the 1940s and 1950s, the Brazilian government made strategic investments in the aerospace industry in order to bolster a domestic aircraft industry. However, it was not until 1969, following the coup d’état of 1964 in Brazil, that Embraer (Empresa Brasileira de Aeronáutica) was established as a state-owned enterprise. It was founded in São Paulo in 1969, where its headquarters are still located to this day. Embraer’s early expansion was aided by the Brazilian government’s awarding of several production contracts.1970’sIn 1974, Embraer started producing Piper light airplanes under license. Initially, Piper was putting the Knock-down kits together in the US to ship to Embraer to have them assembled and marketed in Brazil and South and Central America. After 4 years, a majority of the components and parts were being manufactured locally. From 1974 to 2000, almost 2,500 Pipers were produced under license, making this partnership a resounding success. Until 1975, the company sold exclusively to the domestic market. Ozires Silva, the business’s first president, was appointed by the government, and in the beginning, the company only built one turboprop passenger aircraft, the Embraer EMB 110 Bandeirante.
During the 1970’s and 1980’s, Embraer was focusing mainly on military aircraft such as the AT-26 Xavante and the EMB 312 Tucano. In 1985, Embraer followed the success of the EMB-110 Bandeirante with the bigger turboprop EMB-120 Brasilia. This aircraft was originally intended to be a family of three variants but was reduced to a single aircraft with a capacity of 30 before manufacturing began. Additionally, it provided a variety of variations with greater range or cargo conversion capabilities.The EMB-120 was very successful, primarily to minor airlines in the United States. Embraer supplied 354 aircraft in total till 2001, and it is still in service. This aircraft was the first of many successful regional airliners in this series from the Brazilian manufacturer. Also in the 1980’s, Embraer collaborated with Italian firms Aeritália (now Alenia) and Macchi (now Aermacchi) to build the AMX fighter aircraft (around 200 aircraft were built). 1990’sIn the mid-1990s, Embraer shifted its focus away from military aircraft and onto smaller, commercial aircraft. It quickly moved into the production of bigger regional airliners in the 70–110 seat range, as well as smaller business jets. Embraer eventually began the privatization process in 1992, along with a few other state-run enterprises. On December 7, 1994, Embraer was sold to private investors, averting the company’s imminent bankruptcy. The Brazilian government retained an interest through the ownership of golden shares, which confer veto power. Throughout the 2000s and 2010s, Embraer continued to be awarded government contracts.2000’sIn 2000, Embraer announced at the Farnborough Airshow a business jet adaptation of the Embraer Regional Jet, the Legacy 600. In 2002, Embraer Executive Jets, a dedicated subsidiary, was created and the Legacy 600 went into service immediately. On November 9th, 2005, Embraer announced its class leading Entry Level Light Jet or Very Light Jet (VLJ), the Phenom 100, competing with Cessna and Hawker Beechcraft. The Phenom 100’s first flight was on July 26, 2007 and made its first delivery right in time for the holidays, December 24th, 2008. When potential Phenom 100 buyers came to view and tour the aircraft, Embraer received consistent feedback that while they loved the Phenom 100, they would also be interested in a larger aircraft from the Brazilian Manufacturer. In an effort to capitalize off of the new found success of the Phenom 100, Embraer used it as a blueprint for their larger and more capable Super Light Jet, the Phenom 300. It made its first flight on April 29th, 2008. Also in April of 2008, Embraer announced the Legacy 450, a Midsize Jet, and the Legacy 500, a Super Midsize Jet that were designed in conjunction from the ground up, what is called a “clean sheet” design, whereas their massive Lineage 1000 is a VIP version of the E190. Embraer delivered their 1,500th executive jet in Q321 which was a Phenom 300E to a Swiss Charter company. This further cemented its legacy as the best-selling light jet for nine consecutive years. Embraer has increased its market share to over 25%, despite the lack of an Ultra Long Range, large cabin jet. 2010+Embraer introduced in October of 2018, two redesigns on two of their executive business jet lines: the Praetor 500 (redesign from the Legacy 450), classifying as a Midsize Jet and the Praetor 600 (redesign of the Legacy 500), classifying as a Super Midsize Jet.By May 2019, Embraer was interested in creating a new family of turboprop regional airliners with a capacity of 50–70 passengers to complement the E-Jet E2, thereby freeing up some much needed engineering resources. By July 2020, it had increased to a capacity between 70–100 passengers. Embraer unveiled the concept design for the 75–90 seat regional airliner in October 2020. It features a fuselage similar to the E-Jet and turboprops above a low wing, but with a distinctive T-tail design. On August 13th, 2012, Embraer had an announcement for a new design on its concept turboprop, still with a 70-90-seat capacity, but this time, the aircraft engines are aft-mounted. This is in an effort to keep cabin noise to a minimum and maximize passenger comfort. Embraer still has not officially announced or launched this project, it is still only a concept sadly enough. Embraer estimated that 25% all all Light and Midsize Jet deliveries are either the Phenom or Praetor series. One in four! It seems like that number is going to continue to rise as they continue their current trajectory. Charter Jets, Inc. features the newest and highest safety rated Embraer aircraft on the market. Such as but not limited to the Phenom 100/V/E, Phenom 300/V/E, Legacy 450/ Praetor 500, Legacy 500/ Praetor 600, Lineage 1000, and the EMB 120. Reach out today as we are available 24/7 to assist.
