Embraer's India Assembly Ambition: 200+ Aircraft Orders Key to Final Assembly Line
In a significant development for India's aviation sector, Brazilian aerospace giant Embraer has outlined a clear roadmap for establishing a manufacturing footprint in the country. The company's president and CEO, Francisco Gomes Neto, has stated that securing "firm orders for 200 plus" aircraft from Indian carriers is the essential prerequisite for setting up a final assembly line (FAL) for commercial fixed-wing aircraft in India.
Phased Approach: From Completion Center to Full Assembly
Recognizing that achieving this order volume might take time, Embraer is considering a strategic, phased entry. The initial step could involve establishing a "completion center" in India. At this facility, aircraft ordered by Indian airlines would arrive in fly-away condition from Brazil. The center would then handle final customization, including painting, interior fitting of seats, and other cabin completion work, before delivering the jets to local customers.
This announcement follows the recent memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between Embraer and the Adani Group last month, which formalized their intent to collaborate on setting up an FAL for Embraer's popular regional jets.
CEO Gomes Neto Cites India's Aviation Boom
Francisco Gomes Neto, who is visiting India for the first time since the MoU, expressed strong confidence in the Indian market's potential. "Being the fastest growing aviation market globally, a big economy, expanding airport network and PM Modi's successful UDAN scheme giving a filip to regional flights, India will need at least 500 regional jets in coming years," he told TOI.
He elaborated on the specific requirements for the FAL: "As far as Embraer goes, we need a firm order of 200 jets for the FAL here to be viable and feasible. The same can come up in 24 months of starting work. So if we get the orders this year, the FAL will be ready to roll out jets in 2028."
Pursuing Orders with Air India and IndiGo
In a direct push to secure these crucial orders, Gomes Neto is actively engaging with top Indian airlines. His itinerary includes a meeting with decision-makers at Tata Group's Air India on Friday, with a meeting with IndiGo executives also planned in the coming days.
Embraer is targeting the assembly of its 76-88 seater E175 regional jet in India. This aircraft model is designed for short to medium-haul flights. Currently, India has nine E175 jets in operation: eight with Star Air and one in the Reliance Industries fleet.
Building an Aerospace Ecosystem in India
The partnership with the Adani Group is already in motion, with the group scouting for potential sites. Dholera in Gujarat is reportedly the frontrunner for the facility location.
Embraer's commitment extends beyond final assembly. The company has been actively developing a local supplier base for over a year and a half to source parts for jets produced at its Brazilian FAL. "Most recently, we have signed an MoU with Hindalco to identify possibilities in aerospace grade aluminium raw material manufacturing to strengthen our commitment to 'make in India'. As of now we have over 15 supply chain partners in India," Gomes Neto added.
Currently, Embraer operates FALs exclusively in Brazil (for defence and commercial jets) and the United States (for business jets), with some component manufacturing in Portugal.
Strategic Vision: Serving India and Beyond
The CEO emphasized that India is a primary market. "We are coming to India primarily to serve the Indian market. Once we are here (meaning the FAL is set up), we will look to meet the requirement of nearby markets from India. Expanding production capacity is in our interest and given India's potential, expecting firm orders for 200 jets is very reasonable," he stated.
The company's vision for India encompasses a complete aerospace ecosystem, which includes plans for:
- Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facilities
- Pilot training programs
- Full flight simulators
This integrated approach mirrors Embraer's strategy in the defence sector, where it plans to establish MRO capabilities in India for the C-390 Millennium aircraft, contingent on its selection in the Indian Air Force's medium transport aircraft programme.
The move signals a major potential boost for India's 'Make in India' initiative in aerospace, positioning the country as a future hub for regional jet manufacturing and maintenance in the Asia-Pacific region.
