Dubai Airshow 2019: Boeing Embraer - Defense JV to market re-badged C-390 Millennium airlifter

Boeing and Embraer have launched their joint-venture (JV) to sell the newly rebadged C-390 Millennium airlifter to the international market, it was announced on 18 November.

Pictured at its official rollout in November 2014, the KC-390 has now been re-badged as the C-390 Millennium for customers that don't require the aircraft's tanking capability. (HS Markit/Gareth Jennings)

Revealed at the Dubai Air Show, the Boeing Embraer – Defense JV will formally become operational after the companies' joint venture receives regulatory approvals and meets closing conditions. Embraer will have 51% ownership of Boeing Embraer – Defense, with Boeing holding the remaining 49%.

The announcement came on the same day that Embraer declared that C-390 Millennium is to be the new designation for what had been the KC-390, though it included the proviso that customers requesting the aerial tanker capability will still refer to their aircraft as the KC-390.

With regard to the Boeing Embraer – Defense JV, it will build on the already close co-operation between the US and Brazilian companies on the KC-390 that dates back to 2012. At that time, the plan was for Boeing to lead for KC-390 sales, sustainment and training opportunities in the US, UK and select Middle East markets, with Embraer manufacturing the aircraft and collaborating on sales, sustainment and training. The latest announcement does not divulge specific plans for each of the two partners.