Embraer envisions US$3 billion investment in Poland with possible sale of its aircraft
As anticipated, Embraer held a press conference in Warsaw, Poland, on Tuesday, but there was no announcement of the sale of its aircraft yet.
Instead, the CEO of the Brazilian manufacturer, Francisco Gomes Neto, highlighted the potential that exists in the Eastern European country to receive investments if future contracts are signed for its aircraft.
The possibilities, according to him, are not limited to the C-390 Millennium, which is being evaluated by the Polish Air Force, or the E2 commercial jets, which are competing for an order for 84 aircraft from LOT, the country’s state airline.
For Gomes Neto, Poland can attract US$ 3 billion in investments and generate 5,000 jobs in 10 years with the implementation of related businesses such as manufacturing and final assembly, maintenance and repair, freighter conversion, research and development, and eVTOLs.
“Embraer has been part of the Polish aviation ecosystem for over 25 years, and now, with Embraer growing strongly across the globe, we are committed to expanding our industrial engagement together with. To support this growth, Embraer plans to help develop the capabilities and skills that will drive the Polish aerospace sector to the next stage of success”, said the CEO to the local press.
Final assewmbly line
Among the promises made is the production of parts and a final assembly line for the C-390, which alone can generate US$ 1 billion and 600 jobs.
As for the E2 family, the Brazilian company already has Polish suppliers who are responsible for the seats and the APU (Auxiliary Power Unit) of the jets.
Today, this participation results in revenue of US$ 30 million and 1,350 jobs, but Gomes Neto believes that all commercial aviation projects planned for Poland could increase these figures to US$ 2 billion in investments and more than 4,400 jobs.
Possible activities include overhauling landing gear and converting E190 jets into freighters.
To show that the announcement is nothing more than promises, the manufacturer has signed an agreement with the Łukasiewicz Aviation Institute (ILOT) to work together on the development of new technologies and materials for aircraft.
LOT close to deciding between the E195-E2 and the Airbus A220
One of Embraer’s most anticipated agreements is a potential order for up to 84 jets with up to 150 seats by LOT Polish Airlines.
The state-owned airline has a long relationship with Embraer that goes back more than 25 years, when it operated its first ERJ 145.
In 2004, the company became the launch customer for the E-Jet family when it received the world’s first E170.
There are currently 45 E-Jets in operation at LOT, of various types including three leased E195-E2s and two other government-owned jets.
If it wins the A220 bid, Embraer says LOT could save $900 million by operating the new jets over a 15-year term.
It claims its lighter planes burn less fuel and can fly longer with the PW GTF engines.
A decision on the order is expected by the end of the month, the airline said recently.
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Ricardo Meier
Creator of the website that started in 1996 as a magazine. He also writes on Brazilian websites AUTOO, MOTOO and MetrôCPTM.
