The opening of Embraer’s expanded MRO facility in Sorocaba, Brazil, on June 21 is mostly in response to a growing business jet fleet in its home country. The Sorocaba expansion doubles the airframer’s service and support facility footprint there from 20,000 sq m (215,278 sq ft) to 40,000 sq m. The site now boasts four hangars, three of which are dedicated to aircraft and component MRO, with the fourth supporting the company’s FBO there.

“There is consistent growth in the executive aviation segment in Brazil and we see great opportunities for the service sector in the coming years, aligned with our growth plans for both the services and support business unit and Embraer itself,” said Embraer Services & Support president and CEO Johann Bordais.

Bordais told AIN the site also will support the company’s commercial and military aviation businesses, noting that support includes Azul Airlines’ fleet of E195-E2 passenger jets and the fleets of the Brazilian federal police and air force. “We felt it was the right moment and definitely the right place,” he added.

Besides maintenance, Sorocaba’s capabilities include interior refurbishment through a partnership with F/List and aircraft modifications, such as the conversion of Legacy 450s into Praetor 500 jets.

The site currently employs 150 workers. Over the next three years, Embraer expects to add an additional 100 employees at Sorocaba.