The platform includes standard NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organisation) equipment already integrated into the aircraft and meets the requirements set by the National Aeronautical Authority (AAN) of Portugal. In 2019, FAP ordered five KC-390, including a comprehensive services and support package and a flight simulator. The first aircraft entered into service in October 2023 at Beja Air Base.
“The second KC-390 Millennium delivery to the Portuguese Air Force is another important step in the process of internationalising our aircraft, which is increasing its market recognition particularly among NATO nations. The Portuguese Air Force is a long-term partner of Embraer and has supported us strategically since the beginning of the program. We will continue to work together to advance our partnership in the coming years,” says Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer’s Defense & Security.
“With the delivery of this second aircraft we will accelerate the integration of this distinguish capability in the Portuguese Air Force allowing us to increment the operational missions and prepare additional crew members and technicians for the future to come. With the results already achieved with the first aircraft it’s clear that with this second one we will see the Portuguese KC-390s flying all around the world proving their capabilities, versatility and availability and providing added mission value for Portugal, partners and alliances,” says General João Cartaxo Alves, Portuguese Air Force Chief of Staff.
Since entering operation with the Brazilian Air Force in 2019 and the Portuguese Air Force in 2023, the C-390 has proven its capacity, reliability, and performance. The current fleet of aircraft in operation has accumulated more than 13,000 flight hours, with operational availability of around 80% and mission completion rates above 99%, demonstrating exceptional productivity in the category.
The C-390 can carry more payload (26 tons) compared to other medium-sized military transport aircraft and flies faster (470 knots) and farther, being capable of performing a wide range of missions such as transporting and dropping cargo and troops, medical evacuation, search and rescue, firefighting, and humanitarian missions, operating on temporary or unpaved runways such as packed earth, soil, and gravel. The aircraft configured with air-to-air refuelling equipment, with the designation KC-390, has already proven its aerial refuelling capacity both as a tanker and as a receiver, in this case by receiving fuel from another KC-390 using pods installed under the wings.
