Embraer made the first flight of the KC-390 airlifter on February 3. A crew of four flew the aircraft for 1 hour 25 minutes to evaluate flying qualities and performance. “The KC-390 behaved in a docile and predictable manner,” reported Mozart Louzada, test pilot and captain. The event took place about four weeks later than the manufacturer predicted when the KC-390 rolled out last October.  

Frederico Fleury Curado, president and CEO of Embraer, characterized the new military transport and tanker as “likely the greatest technological challenge that the company has ever encountered in its history. We are profoundly moved for having achieved this key milestone.” Jackson Schneider, president and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security, said the KC-390 “will set a new standard in the category of tactical military transport.”

The Brazilian air force has played a key role in the new aircraft’s development. Lt. Bg. Gen. Nivaldo Luiz Rossato, the air force aeronautics commander, said, “The KC-390 will be the backbone of transport aviation for the Brazilian air force. From the Amazon to Antarctica, the fleet of 28 aircraft will play a key role in the [diverse] projects of the Brazilian state, from scientific research to the maintenance of sovereignty.”

Five other countries have indicated an intention to order a further 32 aircraft.