DELHI- Embraer is currently in discussions with two of India’s leading carriers—IndiGo Airlines (6E) and Air India (AI)—to sell its aircraft as part of an effort to expand its footprint in the fast-growing Indian aviation market.
The talks coincide with Embraer’s strategic move to open a fully-owned subsidiary in New Delhi (DEL), marking a deeper commitment to India’s commercial, business, and defense aviation sectors.
Air India and IndiGo in Embraer Talks
Embraer’s engagement with India reflects a sharp focus on tapping into the third-largest aviation market globally.
The company aims to deepen commercial ties by setting up a procurement team that will explore sourcing components and services locally. This initiative also aligns with India’s push to bolster indigenous manufacturing and defense partnerships.
The Brazilian manufacturer currently operates around 50 aircraft in India across its commercial, executive, and defense divisions. These include 11 different models, showcasing the versatility and adaptability of Embraer’s fleet to diverse operational needs in India.
Francisco Gomes Neto, Embraer’s CEO, confirmed that the company is actively hiring across key departments, including sales, procurement, engineering, communications, and government relations.
He emphasized India’s strategic value across all segments, including next-generation aircraft like eVTOLs (electric vertical take-off and landing), military jets, and business aviation platforms.
Market Dynamics Behind the Talks
India’s aviation sector is expanding rapidly, driven by rising passenger demand and a focus on fleet modernization.
IndiGo, which operates out of its hub at Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL), recently firmed up an additional order of 30 Airbus A350-900 jets, bringing its total to 60 wide-body aircraft. The airline has over 900 planes on order, making it one of the largest backlogs in global aviation.
Air India, under Tata Group ownership, is also undergoing aggressive expansion. The carrier placed a record-setting order of 470 aircraft in 2023 and is now reportedly negotiating with Airbus and Boeing for another batch of 200 narrow-body aircraft.
These developments signal that Indian carriers are open to new partnerships, potentially paving the way for Embraer to enter or expand its presence in their fleets.
Strengthening India–Brazil Collaboration
Beyond aircraft sales, Embraer’s strategy includes supporting bilateral trade and industrial collaboration. Neto highlighted the mutual benefits of stronger ties between India and Brazil, both key members of BRICS.
He also pointed to the long-term potential for technology transfer, co-production, and regional aircraft development tailored to India’s unique infrastructure needs.
India’s evolving regulatory framework—especially in private aviation—is another area Embraer is monitoring closely. As policies ease, opportunities for executive jets and specialized aircraft are expected to increase.
Featured Image by Clément Alloing | Flickr
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