Embraer ties up partnership with Polish aviation institute

Collaboration for advanced aircraft manufacturing & maintenance

Global aerospace company Embraer has partnered with a leading Polish institute of aviation to explore collaboration opportunities in areas such as manufacturing, final assembly, maintenance and repair, passenger-to-freight conversions, research & development and eVTOLs.

Brazilian aerospace manufacturing company Embraer has signed a partnership agreement with a leading aviation research institute in Poland to explore collaboration opportunities in development of aircraft manufacturing and maintenance technologies.

In a press statement Embraer says that its President and CEO Francisco Gomes Neto along with senior commercial and defence teams visited Poland this week, to explore collaboration opportunities in areas such as manufacturing, final assembly, maintenance and repair, passenger-to-freight conversions, research & development, and eVTOLs.

It adds that it engaged with existing and potential partners during its visit and aims to establish Poland as a key centre for aircraft manufacturing and maintenance in Europe.

It further added that its partnership with the Łukasiewicz Institute of Aviation (iLOT) is with an aim to focus on research and development in advanced materials, future flight technologies, aeronautical design and next-generation maintenance processes.

“Embraer has been part of the Polish aviation ecosystem for over 25 years, and now, with Embraer growing strongly across the globe, we are committed to expanding our industrial engagement together with Polish partners covering manufacturing, final assembly, maintenance and repair. To support this growth, Embraer plans to help develop the capabilities and skills that will drive the Polish aerospace sector to the next stage of success,” says Neto.

As per the press statement, the company further adds that its potential projects in Poland could generate up to USD 3 billion in value over the next decade, creating approximately 5,000 new jobs.

According to press statement, one of the major initiatives under consideration is a final assembly line for the KC-390 Millennium military transport aircraft, which has gained traction among NATO and European countries. This move would position Poland as a critical player in the production and maintenance of state-of-the-art military aircraft, with an estimated USD 1 billion in value creation and creating 600 new jobs in the country.

“These initiatives in manufacturing, maintenance, and training, may position the Polish economy to take advantage of the high value opportunities in the global aerospace arena, and could generate USD 3 billion in value for Poland over 10 years, potentially creating 5,000 jobs”, adds Neto.

The company adds that it is expanding its production and strengthening its supply chain in Poland, as reflected in a recently completed roadshow exploring new supplier opportunities, with Polish manufacturers already playing a key role in the company’s E2 programme.

“I congratulate LOT for its impressive growth and profitability. We wish to continue our deep-rooted partnership with Poland for decades to come, going beyond selling aircraft to fostering and accelerating Poland’s aviation ecosystem. The E2 is the low-risk, high-reward choice, offering a seamless, low-cost transition to the new aircraft. The E2 is the most efficient, reliable, and comfortable aircraft for LOT, and it provides almost USD 900 million in economic benefits compared to the competition. The E2 is the aircraft that will best support the airline’s profitable and sustainable growth, as well as the ambitions for the new Central Airport hub (CPK), just as Embraer jets do already at global hubs like Paris, Chicago, Amsterdam, and of course, Warsaw,” says Arjan Meijer, President, CEO, Embraer Commercial Aviation.

Embraer adds that Polish suppliers are contributing significantly by producing aircraft seats in Świebodzin, auxiliary power units in Rzeszów, and key engine components in Kalisz. In 2024 alone Embraer spent USD 30 million on goods and services from Poland, supporting 1,350 jobs.

Additionally, as per the company, the future projects under discussion, which include a landing gear overhaul facility for E-Jets E2 and converting E190 aircraft into freighters, thus potentially driving a USD 2 billion investment over a decade and generating over 4,400 jobs.

Moreover, the company also says that the European footprint is already substantial, with 30 pc of the E2 aircraft components manufactured in the EU. Portugal, for instance, produces the wings, while other key components are sourced from France, Germany, Austria, Spain, and Belgium. Similarly, 42 pc of the KC-390’s supply chain originates from the EU.

Additionally, it also says that Embraer is promoting its KC-390 Millennium military transport aircraft to Poland, highlighting its NATO interoperability and growing adoption by European nations, including the Netherlands, Czech Republic, Portugal, Hungary, Austria, and South Korea, with Slovakia and Sweden selecting the aircraft as well.

“In offering the KC-390 Millennium to Poland, a leading NATO nation, we have the opportunity to engage with Poland’s well established and expert industrial and defence community. An opportunity for Poland to become a key member of the European KC-390 ecosystem, with an outstanding industrial, training, and support package. Poland is for us more than a potential customer, but a true operational and industrial long term partner, and the perfect location for the European assembly line we want to develop,” adds Lemos.