Embraer, a Brazilian aerospace company, has officially started production of Austria’s first C-390 Millennium aircraft. The structural assembly was launched during a ceremony at Embraer’s Gavião Peixoto facility, attended by Austrian government representatives.
Bosco da Costa Junior, president and CEO of Embraer Defence and Security, expressed excitement about the milestone, stating, “We are thrilled to start production of this first aircraft for Austria and look forward to delivering it to the Austrian Air Force soon. The C-390 is setting new standards as a medium-airlift multi-mission aircraft, combining cutting-edge technology, reliability, and low operational costs, with exceptional performance.”
The C-390 Millennium offers impressive specifications, including a maximum payload capacity of 26 tonnes, a top speed of 470 knots, and a large cargo hold with a rear ramp. Its robust landing gear allows it to operate on unpaved runways, making it ideal for a wide range of military and civilian missions. These include cargo transport, personnel and vehicle movement, peacekeeping, special operations, humanitarian aid, medical evacuation, search and rescue, firefighting, air-to-air refueling, and disaster management. In its KC-390 configuration, the aircraft can also serve as both a tanker and a receiver for air-to-air refueling operations.
Since its entry into service, the C-390 Millennium has been adopted by multiple air forces. The Brazilian Air Force first deployed the aircraft in 2019, followed by the Portuguese Air Force in 2023 and the Hungarian Air Force in 2024. To date, the C-390 fleet has logged over 16,300 flight hours, maintaining a mission capability rate of 93% and a mission completion rate exceeding 99%. In addition to Brazil, Portugal, and Hungary, several other countries have selected the C-390, including the Netherlands, Austria, the Czech Republic, South Korea, Sweden, and Slovakia.
In another announcement, Embraer revealed plans to invest $3.5 billion by 2030. This investment is part of the company’s strategy for growth over the next five years, focusing on increasing aircraft production, expanding its presence in international markets, and developing sustainable technologies to support a low-carbon economy in the aerospace sector. One key initiative includes the development of the eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) vehicle, produced by Embraer’s subsidiary, EVE.
