Greek deal would add to C-390’s string of international orders.
Embraer has entered a memorandum of understanding with Hellenic Aerospace Industry (HAI) for the maintenance and sustainment of the C-390 tactical transport, signalling a potential Greek acquisition of the twin-engined type.
The pact was signed between Fabio Caparica, vice president of contracts at Embraer and Alexandros Diakopoulos, executive chairman of HAI, says Embraer.
In its statement about the agreement, Embraer said that it will provide for the “operational and support autonomy needed to manage its future C-390 aircraft fleet while advancing the capabilities of the domestic industry.”
Athens has yet to place an order for the C-390, but it has an aging tactical transport fleet that is likely in need of replacement. According to aviation analytics company Cirium, Greece has one Lockheed Martin C-130B and six C-130Hs. The average age of the fleet is 51.8 years.
“Signing this MoU with Embraer means more to us than a business agreement,” says Diakopoulos.
“It reflects our conviction that HAI can and should be the natural choice for world-class aerospace companies seeking a reliable partner in Europe. Developing C-390 maintenance and support capabilities in Greece does not only serve the operational needs of the Hellenic Air Force – it also builds an industrial foundation of lasting, long-term value for our country.”
Should a Greek order for the C-390 materialise, it will add to the C/KC-390’s growing list of European customers, including Austria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Sweden.
The type has also secured customers in Embraer’s home country of Brazil, South Korea, the United Arab Emirates, and Uzbekistan.
The C-390’s sales prospects were the subject of a recent episode of our FlightGlobal Focus podcast.
The post Embraer hints at potential Greek C-390 order first appeared on FlightGlobal.