ABU DHABI—Boeing and Embraer are in talks with five countries to buy the KC-390 airlifter and air refueling aircraft, including at least two that have opened discussions since the two manufacturers announced a formal partnership, a Boeing executive said on Feb. 18.
Embraer launched development of the KC-390 in 2009, but signed an agreement in 2016 with Boeing to support global marketing and sustainment. The partnership deepened over the summer, when Boeing and Embraer agreed to form a joint venture to market the KC-390. Boeing also agreed to acquire 80% of Embraer’s commercial aviation business and establish a separate joint venture.
Both deals are expecting to be finalized this year, pending the Brazilian government's approval. But Boeing already is involved in marketing the KC-390 under the 2016 agreement.
“Right now, there are five that we’re talking to—pretty solid countries,” said Mark Bellew, director of sales and marketing for International Government Services at Boeing Global Services.
The five countries extend beyond Embraer’s original teaming agreements with the governments of Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Czech Republic and Portugal.
“We have a couple of new ones that have come here and asked us questions lately as well,” Bellew said.
The KC-390 is scheduled to enter service this year with the Brazilian Air Force, which has ordered 28.