In the rankings of aerospace nations, Portugal wouldn't figure particularly highly. The small, heavily-indebted country on the edge of Europe is better known for its food and drink than its aviation-related exports.
Embraer's arrival could change that. The manufacturer - based in its one-time colony Brazil - first invested in Portugal back in 2005 when it bought (along with minority partner EADS) a majority shareholding in Lisbon-based MRO and aerostructures supplier OGMA.
Three years ago, Embraer added to that with a promise to build its first overseas structures plant in the city of Evora. The factory, which will open next year to build parts for the new Legacy 450 and 500 business jets, will rely on a supply chain of Portuguese, and other, small manufacturers.
Now, after a commitment by the Lisbon government to buy Embraer's new military airlifter, the KC-390, OGMA and one other Portuguese company are joining the programme.
All of it is set to give a kickstart to a national industry that has long been in the shadow of its neighbour Spain, where the Airbus Military plant in Seville and other EADS facilities in Madrid and elsewhere have helped create a thriving supply base. Portugal, pulled out of an undertaking to buy the A400M military airlifter, and consequently gain workshare for its industry, in 2003.
I have been to visit some of the companies hoping to benefit from Embraer's largesse in the company of Sergio Olivera, who runs the country's young trade association PEMAS. I'll be writing about the industry and its prospects in the next issue of Flight International, which comes out on 10 January.
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