On September 4, the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) took delivery of the first multi-mission airlift KC-390 at Anápolis Air Base. In 2014, the FAB signed a firm order for 28 units of the Embraer-manufactured aircraft produced at the Gavião Peixoto factory, in São Paulo state. The KC-390 aircraft was developed as a joint project between the Brazilian Air Force and Embraer. Preparations have already started for the entry into service of the twin-jet aircraft by the FAB’s First Troop Transport Group (1st GTT). The Brazilian manufacturer has been conducting theoretical and practical training with the Air Force teams to start operations.

FAB and Embraer Services & Support also signed a comprehensive five-year services and support contract for the airlifter. Under the agreement, Embraer’s solutions TechCare will be responsible for logistical and engineering support, maintenance control, component repair, support staff for the aircraft entry into service, materials supply and an additional package that includes structural analysis, maintenance bulletin development, and aircraft painting, among other services.

The Brazilian-manufactured aircraft, which was recently ordered by the Portuguese Government, can carry out various missions including humanitarian support, medical evacuation, search and rescue, forest fire fighting and cargo and troop transport and launch capabilities, as well as aerial refueling (note that the aircraft can be also be refueled in flight). The multi-mission KC-390 is capable of carrying up to 26 metric tons of cargo at a maximum speed of 870 km/h (470 knots), with ability to operate on unpaved or damaged runways.

The KC-390 was granted the Type Certificate by the Brazilian civil aviation authority ANAC (Agência Nacional de Aviação Civil) in 2018, when it achieved Initial Operational Capability (IOC).