Embraer Picks UAE Over Saudi Arabia for C-390 Completion Center

Embraer has decided to pivot its regional strategy for the C-390 Millennium, choosing the United Arab Emirates over Saudi Arabia for a new completion center.

The Brazilian aircraft manufacturer announced the change shortly after signing agreements with Abu Dhabi-based Ammroc and Global Aerospace Logistics to provide maintenance, repair, and operational support for the airlifter, according to a report by Aviation Week. 

Embraer CEO Bosco da Costa Jr. explained that running two regional completion centers in the Gulf “simply doesn’t make sense,” emphasizing the company’s commitment to efficiency and existing partnerships.

In 2023, Embraer had proposed a final assembly and support center in Saudi Arabia in the event of a large order from Riyadh, competing against Lockheed Martin’s C-130J.

Despite the withdrawal of the Saudi plan, Costa stressed that Embraer maintains strong relationships with both countries and remains ready to open assembly and checkout facilities in the US and India should large orders materialize there.

The new UAE facility, envisioned as a C-390 Center of Excellence, is planned to include eight buildings and seven hangars, with the capacity to host more than 20 aircraft. 

The C-390 Millennium

The C-390 Millennium is a medium-sized military transport aircraft designed for troop and cargo transport, aerial refueling, and medical evacuation.

First flown by Embraer in 2015, the aircraft has been adopted by Brazil’s Air Force and exported to Portugal, Hungary, and other international operators. 

Its flexibility allows operations in austere environments, making it suitable for rapid deployment and humanitarian missions as well as conventional military transport.

By establishing a UAE hub, Embraer aims to leverage the C-390’s versatility and expand its presence in the Gulf, positioning the aircraft as a regional alternative to US and European competitors.