Embraer plans MRO facility in India with Mahindra for C-390 aircraft

Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer has announced plans to establish a Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility in India in partnership with the Mahindra Group. The proposed facility will support the C-390 Millennium military transport aircraft following its selection in the Indian Air Force’s Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) programme.

Part of localisation strategy

The proposed MRO centre forms part of Embraer’s localisation strategy in India. It will provide long-term maintenance and technical support for the C-390 fleet to ensure high operational readiness and availability.

The facility is expected to offer a comprehensive range of services, including:

• Base and heavy maintenance
• Structural inspections and testing
• Component repair and overhaul
• Avionics support
• Technical training

The move further strengthens the collaboration between Embraer and Mahindra, positioning the C-390 Millennium as a key contender for India’s medium transport aircraft requirements.

Focus on ‘Make in India’

Embraer and Mahindra signed a strategic partnership in October last year to produce the C-390 Millennium in India. The collaboration aims to support the Indian Air Force’s MTA programme while boosting domestic manufacturing under the government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative.

Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defence & Security, said the company is committed not only to supplying the aircraft but also to building a long-term support ecosystem tailored to India’s operational needs.

Vinod Sahay, Member of the Group Executive Board at Mahindra Group, stated that establishing a modern MRO facility in India would ensure high aircraft availability and operational independence for the Indian Air Force throughout the lifecycle of the aircraft.

While the primary objective is to support the Indian Air Force fleet, Embraer is also exploring the possibility of developing India into a regional MRO hub, enabling maintenance support for other C-390 operators in the future.

Carlos Naufel, President and CEO of Embraer Services & Support, said the companies intend to deepen collaboration with Indian aerospace firms to enhance localisation levels. He added that the initiative could generate high-skill employment and integrate Indian companies into Embraer’s global supply chain.

What is C-390 Millennium?

The C-390 Millennium is a modern, multi-mission military transport aircraft developed by Embraer.

Key features:

• Payload capacity of up to 26 tonnes
• Higher speed and longer range compared to other aircraft in its category
• Capability to operate from temporary or unpaved runways

Mission capabilities

The aircraft can perform a wide range of missions such as

• Transport of cargo and troops
• Airdrop operations
• Medical evacuation
• Search and rescue
• Firefighting
• Humanitarian relief missions

It can also be configured for air-to-air refuelling, either as a tanker or as a receiver.

According to Embraer, the in-service fleet of the C-390 has demonstrated a mission completion rate of over 99 per cent, indicating high reliability and operational efficiency.