Boeing and Embraer today announced an agreement to collaborate on the KC-390 aircraft program.

Under this agreement, Boeing and Embraer will share some specific technical knowledge and evaluate markets where they may join their sales efforts for medium-lift military transport opportunities.

“Boeing has extensive experience in military transport and air refueling aircraft, as well as deep knowledge of potential markets for the KC-390, especially those which were not considered in our original marketing plan. This agreement will strengthen the KC-390’s prominent position in the global military transport market,” said Luiz Carlos Aguiar, President and CEO of Embraer Defesa e Segurança.

The KC-390 collaboration is part of a broader agreement that Boeing and Embraer signed in April. Both companies previously announced that they are exploring ways to cooperate in commercial airplane efficiency and safety, research and technology, and sustainable aviation biofuels.

Boeing and Embraer will conduct a joint market assessment for the medium-lift military transport market and analyze business collaboration models. The market assessment includes potential customers that had not been considered in the initial market prospects for the KC-390.

“Embraer is a leading global innovator and we both understand the value of working in partnership to provide high-quality, affordable customer solutions. This collaboration matches Boeing’s proven excellence in military transport with Embraer’s KC-390 accomplishments to further advance this highly capable and efficient medium-lift aircraft,” said Dennis Muilenburg, President and CEO of Boeing Defense, Space & Security.

The KC-390 is a Brazilian Air Force project for which Embraer signed the development contract in April 2009. It is the biggest aircraft to be manufactured by the Brazilian aerospace industry and will set new standards in the medium-lift market in terms of performance, cargo capacity, flexibility, and life cycle costs.

Boeing has had a strong and enduring partnership with Brazil for 80 years, delivering the first F4B-4 fighters to the Brazilian government in 1932 and providing commercial airplanes to Brazilian airlines since 1960. Boeing opened its office in São Paulo in October 2011.