Brazilian Planemaker Embraer Aims to Boost Defense Jet Sales During Visit to Mexico, According to Reuters

By Kylie Madry

MEXICO CITY – Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer considers Mexico a key market for its Super Tucano and C-390 defense aircraft, according to the company’s CEO.

Francisco Gomes Neto, the head of Embraer, stated that the company is in active discussions with the Mexican government and has brought a C-390 to Mexico for demonstration flights. This multi-mission aircraft competes with the Lockheed C-130.

"We believe it can be a great solution for Mexico," Gomes Neto shared during his visit to the country ahead of the inauguration of incoming President Claudia Sheinbaum. He did not disclose how many aircraft Embraer intends to sell to Mexico.

Should Mexico proceed with a purchase of the Super Tucano, which Gomes Neto emphasized is suitable for training and border surveillance, it would follow several other Latin American nations that have recently firmed up orders.

Additionally, Gomes Neto mentioned the potential for business jet sales in Mexico, highlighting that the country ranks as the third-largest market for such aircraft. "We expect to grow our fleet in Mexico by 11% in the next two years," he said.

In June, Embraer secured a $750 million order for 20 E2 jetliners with Mexicana, a military-operated commercial airline. Despite analysts expressing concerns over the stability of the deal due to Mexicana’s alleged payment issues with a U.S. contractor, Gomes Neto remains optimistic. "We are working with Mexicana very closely, and we want this operation to be a great success to demonstrate the quality of the aircraft," he noted.

The executive also revealed that Mexican Foreign Minister Alicia Barcena had met with the company earlier this year in Brazil and left with a positive outlook about the future of Mexicana. "Embraer is looking for a win-win situation in doing business with Mexico," he added.