Embraer SA is a Brazilian aerospace conglomerate that designs, manufactures, and sells commercial, executive, and military aircraft, as well as providing aviation services. Founded in 1969, it has grown from a state-owned enterprise into a global leader in regional jets, with key milestones including the E-Jet family and the KC-390 military transport.
Chronological Storyline (38 Milestones)
Aug 19, 1969 CE
Embraer Founded
Embraer (Empresa Brasileira de Aeronáutica) is founded as a state-owned company by the Brazilian government, with Ozires Silva as its first president. The company's initial purpose is to develop and produce the EMB 110 Bandeirante, a twin-turboprop regional aircraft. #aviation #history
Embraer Founded By Agência Brasil - epocanegocios.globo.com, CC BY 3.0 br, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=64971726
Oct 26, 1970 CE
First Flight of EMB 110 Bandeirante
The EMB 110 Bandeirante makes its maiden flight. This twin-turboprop aircraft becomes Embraer's first major product and a regional success. #aviation #firstflight
First Flight of EMB 110 Bandeirante By Ministério da Defesa - Aeronaves Ágata 7, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=26300818
1973 CE
First Delivery of EMB 110
Embraer delivers the first EMB 110 Bandeirante to a Brazilian airline. The aircraft quickly gains popularity for its reliability and performance in regional routes. #aviation #delivery
1975 CE
First Export of EMB 110
Embraer exports its first aircraft, the EMB 110, to Uruguay, marking the beginning of its international expansion. #aviation #export
Jul 27, 1983 CE
First Flight of EMB 120 Brasília
The EMB 120 Brasília, a 30-seat pressurized twin-turboprop commuter airliner, makes its first flight. It becomes a successful regional aircraft. #aviation #firstflight
Jul 18, 1990 CE
First Flight of CBA 123 Vector
The Embraer CBA 123 Vector, a pusher-propeller regional aircraft developed with FMA Argentina, takes its first flight. The project is later canceled due to high costs, but it showcases innovative design. #aviation #innovation
Dec 7, 1994 CE
Embraer Privatized
Embraer is privatized through an auction, with the Bozano, Simonsen and Previ consortium acquiring control. This marks a major shift to private management. #business #privatization
Aug 11, 1995 CE
First Flight of ERJ 145
The ERJ 145, a 50-seat regional jet, makes its first flight. It becomes a global best-seller and establishes Embraer as a major regional jet manufacturer. #aviation #firstflight
First Flight of ERJ 145 By Aldo Bidini - Gallery page https://www.jetphotos.com/photo/6914566 Photo https://cdn.jetphotos.com/full/1/87190_1281622614.jpg, GFDL 1.2, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=29202397
Dec 1, 1996 CE
ERJ 145 Enters Service
The ERJ 145 enters commercial service with ExpressJet Airlines, marking Embraer's entry into the regional jet market. #aviation #service
1999 CE
Acquisition of OGMA
Embraer acquires a 51% stake in OGMA, a Portuguese aerospace maintenance and manufacturing company, expanding its presence in Europe. #acquisition
Jul 1, 2000 CE
E-Jet Family Announced
Embraer announces the development of the E-Jet family (ERJ 170/190), a new line of larger regional jets, at the Farnborough Airshow. #aviation #announcement
E-Jet Family Announced By Richard Vandervord - http://www.airliners.net/photo/KLM-Cityhopper/Embraer-190LR-(ERJ-190-100LR)/2571563/L/, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=37963684
Apr 1, 2001 CE
Maurício Botelho Becomes CEO
Maurício Botelho is appointed CEO of Embraer, leading the company through the successful E-Jet development and market expansion. #leadership
Feb 19, 2002 CE
First Flight of E-Jet 170
The first E-Jet, model 170, makes its maiden flight. The E-Jet family later becomes the backbone of Embraer's commercial aviation success. #aviation #firstflight
Mar 1, 2004 CE
First E-Jet Deliveries
Embraer delivers the first E-Jet 170 to LOT Polish Airlines, marking the start of service for the new family. #aviation #delivery
2005 CE
Creation of Embraer Defense and Security
Embraer establishes its Defense and Security business unit, focusing on military aircraft and systems, including the KC-390 project. #defense
2006 CE
First Delivery of Embraer 190
The larger E-Jet 190 enters service with JetBlue Airways, offering 100-120 seat capacity. #aviation #delivery
Jul 1, 2007 CE
KC-390 Program Launched
Embraer announces the KC-390, a twin-engine military tactical transport aircraft, at the Paris Air Show. The program aims to replace older C-130 Hercules. #defense #aviation
KC-390 Program Launched By Marcos Corrêa/PR - Embraer KC-390, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=75444166
Jul 21, 2008 CE
First Flight of Phenom 100
The Phenom 100, a very light jet, makes its first flight, entering the executive aviation market. #aviation #firstflight
First Flight of Phenom 100 By Alan Lebeda - Gallery page http://www.airliners.net/photo/Embraer-EMB-500-Phenom/1695056/L Photo http://cdn-www.airliners.net/aviation-photos/photos/6/5/0/1695056.jpg, GFDL 1.2, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=28463748
Nov 23, 2009 CE
First Flight of Legacy 450/500
The Legacy 450 and 500 midsize executive jets make their first flights, expanding Embraer's business jet portfolio. #aviation #firstflight
First Flight of Legacy 450/500 By Markus Eigenheer from Genève - PT-ZHY Embraer EMB550 Legacy500 E550, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=41058518
2010 CE
E-Jet E2 Program Launched
Embraer launches the second generation of E-Jets (E2), featuring new engines, wings, and avionics, promising improved fuel efficiency. #aviation #innovation
E-Jet E2 Program Launched By Valentin Hintikka from Finland - LN-WEA Widerøe E190-E2 @ HEL, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=70434112
2011 CE
Frederico Curado Appointed CEO
Frederico Curado becomes CEO of Embraer, succeeding Maurício Botelho. Under his leadership, the company focuses on the E2 program and defense projects. #leadership
Jul 1, 2012 CE
First KC-390 Order from Brazilian Air Force
The Brazilian Air Force orders 28 KC-390s, becoming the launch customer for the military transport aircraft. #defense
Jun 17, 2013 CE
E2 E-Jet Family Announced
Embraer officially launches the E-Jet E2 family at the Paris Air Show, securing launch orders from SkyWest and ILFC. #aviation #announcement
Oct 1, 2014 CE
Legacy 450 Certification
The Legacy 450 receives type certification from ANAC and FAA, entering service. #aviation #certification
Oct 1, 2015 CE
Praetor 500/600 Announced
Embraer introduces the Praetor 500 and Praetor 600, upgraded versions of the Legacy 450/500, with enhanced range and technology. #aviation #announcement
Feb 3, 2016 CE
First Flight of KC-390
The KC-390 tactical transport makes its maiden flight, a key milestone for Embraer's defense division. #aviation #firstflight
Jul 1, 2017 CE
Boeing Partnership Talks Announced
Embraer confirms discussions with Boeing about a potential joint venture, aiming to create a new company for commercial aviation. #business #partnership
Jul 5, 2018 CE
Boeing-Embraer Joint Venture Agreement
Embraer and Boeing announce a joint venture where Boeing holds 80% and Embraer 20% of a new commercial aircraft division. The deal is subject to regulatory approvals. #business #merger
Jan 1, 2019 CE
Boeing Deal Approved by Shareholders
Embraer shareholders approve the joint venture agreement. However, the deal later faces regulatory scrutiny and is eventually blocked by the European Commission. #business
Apr 25, 2020 CE
Boeing Terminates Joint Venture Deal
Boeing terminates the joint venture agreement, citing Embraer's failure to meet conditions. Embraer disputes this, and the collapse of the deal leads to legal disputes. #business
2020 CE
COVID-19 Impact on Embraer
The COVID-19 pandemic severely affects Embraer, leading to layoffs, production cuts, and a sharp decline in deliveries. #pandemic
Jul 1, 2021 CE
Francisco Gomes Neto Named CEO
Francisco Gomes Neto becomes CEO of Embraer, tasked with steering the company through post-pandemic recovery and restructuring. #leadership
Mar 1, 2022 CE
E2 E-Jet Earns Brazilian Certification
The E195-E2 receives type certification from ANAC, enabling deliveries in Brazil. #aviation #certification
May 1, 2023 CE
Major E2 Order from Azul
Azul Brazilian Airlines places a firm order for 18 E195-E2 aircraft, with purchase rights for additional units, boosting the E2 backlog. #aviation #order
Jul 1, 2023 CE
Eve Air Mobility Spun Off
Embraer spins off its urban air mobility subsidiary, Eve Air Mobility, which goes public via SPAC merger, focusing on eVTOL development. #aviation #startup
Eve Air Mobility Spun Off By Lula Oficial - https://www.flickr.com/photos/lulaoficial/55168271728/, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=187034272
Jan 1, 2024 CE
Embraer Reports 2023 Deliveries
Embraer delivers 65 commercial jets and 74 executive jets in 2023, showing recovery from pandemic lows. #aviation #results
Jun 1, 2024 CE
KC-390 Orders from NATO Countries
Portugal and Hungary order KC-390s, expanding the military transport's market in Europe. #defense
Mar 1, 2025 CE
Embraer Achieves Record Backlog
Embraer's firm order backlog reaches an all-time high of $25 billion, driven by E2 and executive jet sales. #business