IndustryEmbraer outlines India engagement but discloses no supply or sales agreements
Embraer has held a new round of executive-level meetings in India as part of its efforts to increase engagement with the country’s aerospace sector, but the company has not disclosed any concrete agreements, supplier selections or sales commitments following the visit.
The Brazilian manufacturer said the trip involved discussions with local industry players and government stakeholders and included an assessment of potential suppliers across areas such as aerostructures, machining, composites, wiring systems and software. Embraer did not indicate whether any companies were shortlisted or whether negotiations had progressed beyond exploratory talks.
“Our focus is on advancing joint initiatives in defence and civil aviation,” said Roberto Chaves, Embraer’s executive vice-president for global procurement and supply chain, adding that the company sees India as a long-term partner. The company did not provide timelines or details for potential sourcing or industrial agreements.
Embraer’s renewed outreach comes as it looks to strengthen a relatively modest presence in the Indian market. Fewer than 50 Embraer aircraft are currently in service in the country across its commercial, military and business aviation portfolios, a small number compared with other major aerospace manufacturers active in India.
The company has recently signed non-binding partnership agreements with two Indian industrial groups. Mahindra has been positioned as a partner linked to Embraer’s C-390 Millennium bid for India’s Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) requirement, under which the Indian Air Force is expected to procure between 40 and 80 aircraft. The competition remains under evaluation, and no selection has been made.
Separately, Adani Aerospace signed a memorandum of understanding with Embraer covering potential cooperation on aircraft such as the E175, E190-E2 and E195-E2, including the possibility of local assembly. The MoU does not include firm orders or contractual commitments.
At present, Star Air remains the only Indian airline operating Embraer commercial aircraft. The regional carrier has indicated that it may announce its first direct order with the manufacturer in 2026, but no agreement has yet been confirmed.
Embraer has established a local office in New Delhi and set up a dedicated procurement team to support its activities in India. While these steps indicate a longer-term intent to engage with the market, tangible outcomes in terms of aircraft sales, industrial participation or supply chain integration have yet to materialise.
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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.
