Embraer expects first operational KC-390 buyer in 2014

Embraer KC 390

Embraer expects to sign the first firm order for the KC-390 airlifter and tanker in the first quarter of 2014, as the pace of development and testing accelerates 20 months ahead of the scheduled first flight milestone.

"We will fly this aircraft at the end of next year, which is like saying, tomorrow - it's so close, but we'll do it," says Paulo Gastão Silva, Embraer's KC-390 programme director.

Embraer is already on contract to build the first two KC-390 prototypes for the flight test programme. Six countries have signed commitments to buy 60 more of the twinjets: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, the Czech Republic and Portugal.