Embraer has announced plans to position Poland as a centre of excellence in Europe. This week, Francisco Gomes Neto, President and CEO of Embraer, is visiting Poland alongside a senior commercial and defence delegation to engage with existing, new and potential partners. Their discussions will focus on manufacturing, final assembly, maintenance and repair, passenger-to-freight conversions, research and development and eVTOL technologies.
The first major announcement is a collaboration with the Łukasiewicz Institute of Aviation (iLOT), concentrating on research and development in key areas such as materials science, future flight technologies, aeronautical design, and next-generation maintenance processes.
Francisco Gomes Neto stated, “Embraer has been part of the Polish aviation ecosystem for over 25 years, and now, with Embraer experiencing significant global growth, we are committed to expanding our industrial engagement with Polish partners across manufacturing, final assembly, and maintenance and repair. To support this growth, Embraer intends to help develop the capabilities and skills that will elevate the Polish aerospace sector to new heights of success.”
He continued, “These initiatives in manufacturing, maintenance, and training may position the Polish economy to capitalise on high-value opportunities within the global aerospace sector, potentially generating US$3 billion in value for Poland over the next decade and creating up to 5,000 jobs.”
As part of its long-term strategic vision, Embraer is seeking partners in Poland for component manufacturing and a potential final assembly line for the KC-390 Millennium multi-mission military aircraft. This aircraft is securing increasing orders from European NATO countries and beyond. Embraer views Poland as a strategic partner for developing cutting-edge military equipment, creating highly skilled jobs, and fostering industrial growth. The establishment of an aircraft assembly line, along with its associated aftermarket ecosystem—including maintenance and training—could generate close to US$1 billion in value and result in 600 new jobs.
In commercial aviation, Embraer is ramping up production and actively expanding its supply chain within Poland. A recent roadshow aimed at engaging new suppliers has been completed. Polish industry already plays a key role in Embraer's E2 programme, with seats manufactured in Świebodzin, auxiliary power units in Rzeszów, and essential engine components in Kalisz. This supply chain involvement sustains 1,350 jobs and will contribute US$30 million in goods and services procurement in Poland in 2024 alone. Additional projects under discussion include a landing gear overhaul facility for the E-Jets E2 and the conversion of E190 aircraft into freighters. The overall investment in commercial aviation could reach more than US$2 billion over the next decade, creating upwards of 4,400 jobs.
Embraer already has a substantial presence in Europe, with 30% of the E2 aircraft components manufactured within the EU—for example, the wings are produced in Portugal, while other critical parts originate from France, Germany, Austria, Spain, and Belgium. Similarly, 42% of the KC-390 supply chain is sourced from the EU. With Poland poised to play a larger role in this ecosystem, Embraer's vision for the country as a hub for aerospace excellence is well underway.
