The first KC-390 Millennium aircraft of the Portuguese Air Force (FAP) entered service at Beja Air Base. The aircraft meets the requirements set by the Portuguese National Aviation Authority (AAN) and includes standard NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) equipment already integrated into the aircraft. This integration results from an extensive flight test campaign conducted in Portugal, as part of a joint effort between Embraer, OGMA and FAP.
In 2019, FAP ordered five KC-390 aircraft, a comprehensive services and support agreement and a flight simulator. The entry into service took place during a ceremony held on October 16 at the Embraer plant in Gavi o Peixoto, Brazil. This multi-role military tactical transport aircraft offers unparalleled mobility, combining high productivity, operational flexibility and low operating costs, making it an unbeatable combination.
The C-390 can carry more payload (26 tons) than other military transport aircraft in its class, and it flies faster and faster. This multi-mission platform is capable of performing a wide range of missions such as transport and launch of cargo and troops, aeromedical evacuation, search and rescue, firefighting, and humanitarian missions, when operating on temporary or unpaved runways (i.e. including compacted ground, dirt and gravel). The aerial refueling (AAR) configuration, known as the KC-390, has demonstrated its capabilities in operations with the Brazilian Air Force.
It is allowed to refuel many different fighter aircraft and can also refuel other KC-390 aircraft using compartments located under the wings. This is a unique feature for this type of device. Portugal is the largest international partner of the C-390 program, and its participation in the development and production of the aircraft is known for its positive economic impact on job creation, new investment, increased exports and technological advancement.
Besides Portugal, the multi-mission platform was requested by Brazil and Hungary and was selected by the Netherlands, Austria and the Czech Republic.
