‘Started discussion with Indian companies to develop aircraft manufacturing,’ says Embraer CEO
Embraer SA, the world’s third largest manufacturer of commercial jets, is betting big on India as a key growth market and potential manufacturing hub. In an interview with ET’s Arindam Majumder, chief executive Francisco Gomes Neto, explains the Brazilian aerospace company’s growth plans which include finding a local joint venture partner to set up a manufacturing unit in India. Edited excerpts:
India now has one of the largest aircraft order books in the world. But it has been a challenge to find customers here for Embraer. What are the sticking points?
There are ongoing dialogues and conversations that are happening with Indian airlines.
The E2 jet is a perfect fit for Indian airlines in terms of cost per seat. It has a clean sheet design. We have a regional airline, Star Air, using our planes.
I think the demand for our aircraft will come as the market is growing and airlines are connecting more cities.
Do you see an opportunity in India’s programme for connecting regional airports which may not suit an Airbus 320 or Boeing 737?
Azul Airlines in Brazil operates over 200 Embraer E jets and they use those aircraft to complement the big narrow bodies, offering more frequent flights during the day and they are doing extremely well.
What are the opportunities that you see in India?
I see lots of opportunities between Brazil and India in the aerospace sector. Embraer has great products. In the past 20 years, we have developed and certified 20 aircraft.
We have the technology, so if there is an order, we are open to setting up an industrial or technological cooperation entity here. The entity can work to access new markets. India has the market right for our products and we have the aerospace technology to develop aircraft.
Have
