Embraer, a global leader in the aerospace industry, active in both commercial and defense, plans to make Poland a center of excellence in Europe. Francisco Gomes Neto, President and CEO of Embraer, is visiting Poland this week with a senior commercial and defense team, engaging with existing, new, and potential partners in the following areas: manufacturing, final assembly, maintenance and repair, passenger-to-freight conversions, research & development and eVTOLs.

The first announcement comes today with the Łukasiewicz Institute of Aviation (iLOT), focusing on Research and Development activities in the fields of materials, future flight technologies, aeronautical design and future maintenance processes.

Francisco Gomes Neto, President and CEO of Embraer, said: “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.”

“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 US$3bn in value for Poland over 10 years, potentially creating 5,000 jobs,” he added.

In a long-term strategic move, Embraer is looking at partners for parts manufacturing and for a potential final assembly line for its KC-390 Millennium multi-mission military aircraft, which is currently winning orders from Europe/NATO countries and around the world. Embraer sees in Poland the right strategic partner to join forces and build state of the art, latest generation military equipment, creating high value jobs. The aircraft assembly and associated aftermarket ecosystem (including maintenance and training) could result in value creation of close to US$ 1billion and 600 jobs.

In commercial aviation Embraer is ramping up production and actively seeking to turbocharge its supply chain in Poland - a road show to meet new suppliers was recently completed. Polish industry is already a major supplier to Embraer’s E2 programme as the seats are made in Świebodzin, auxiliary power units in Rzeszów, and key engine components in Kalisz; contributing 1,350 jobs in the supply chain and US$30m spend procuring goods and services in Poland in 2024 alone.

Other projects under discussion include a landing gear overhaul facility for the E-Jets E2, and conversion of E190 aircraft into freighters. The total package in commercial aviation could potentially translate into more than $US2bn investment in 10 years and more than 4,400 jobs.

Embraer already has a strong footprint in Europe as 30% of the E2 is manufactured in the EU - the wings are made in Portugal for example, and other key components are made in France, Germany, Austria, Spain, and Belgium. Whereas for the KC-390 42% of the supply chain comes from the EU.

Arjan Meijer, President and CEO, Embraer Commercial Aviation, visiting Warsaw alongside Gomes Neto, said: “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 US$900m 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,” he explained.

Embraer is offering Poland its next-generation KC-390 Millennium military transport aircraft. This NATO-interoperable aircraft is the most advanced in its category and has been acquired by Netherlands, Czech Republic, Portugal, Hungary, Brazil, Austria and South Korea, and selected by Slovakia and Sweden.

“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 defense community. An opportunity for Poland to become a key member of the European KC-390 ecosystem, with an outstanding industrial, training, and support package,” said Frederico Lemos, Chief Commercial Officer of Embraer Defense & Security.

A global aerospace company headquartered in Brazil, Embraer has businesses in Commercial and Executive aviation, Defense and Security, and Agricultural Aviation. The company designs, develops, manufactures, and markets aircraft and systems, providing Services and Support to customers after-sales.

Since it was founded in 1969, Embraer has delivered more than 8,000 aircraft. On average, about every 10 seconds an aircraft manufactured by Embraer takes off somewhere in the world, transporting over 145 million passengers a year.

Embraer is the leading manufacturer of commercial jets with up to 150 seats and the main exporter of high value-added goods in Brazil. The company maintains industrial units, offices, service, and parts distribution centers, among other activities, across the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Europe.