Embraer Seeks to Expand Supply Chain in India for Aircraft Manufacturing

Embraer, a leading global aerospace company, is eyeing India for expanding its supply chain network. Roberto Chaves, Embraer’s Executive Vice-President of Global Procurement and Supply Chain, highlighted India’s strong aviation and defense sectors, noting the potential for Indian manufacturers to become key suppliers for Embraer’s various business units, including defense, commercial aviation, and executive jets.

Chaves mentioned that a high-level Embraer delegation is wrapping up a visit to India this week to explore opportunities for expanding its supply chain. The company sees potential for Indian suppliers in areas such as aerostructures, machining, sheet metal, composites, forgings, wire harnesses, as well as hardware and software development. This visit aligns with the growing bilateral relations between Brazil and India.

“India’s robust aviation and defense industry presents a significant opportunity for manufacturers and systems developers to become key partners for Embraer,” Chaves said. “Our goal is to elevate aviation capabilities in both Brazil and India and provide exceptional value to our global customers.”

Embraer has a notable presence in India, with over 44 aircraft operating across its commercial, executive, and defense sectors. The Indian Government and Air Force operate Embraer’s VIP jets and EMB 145 AEW “Netra” military aircraft.

A major future opportunity for Embraer in India is the Indian Air Force’s Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) program. Embraer, in partnership with the Indian company Mahindra, is well-positioned to offer the modern C-390 Millennium transport aircraft. This collaboration, announced in February 2024, aims to establish a comprehensive local supply chain program, potentially including an assembly line for the C-390 in India, and aligns with the Indian Government’s “Make in India” initiative.

Embraer, headquartered in Brazil, operates in commercial and executive aviation, defense and security, and agricultural aviation, designing, developing, manufacturing, and supporting aircraft and systems worldwide.