Brazilian-based aircraft manufacturer Embraer has announced an ambitious plan to invest approximately $390 million and hire 900 additional employees in 2024 as the firm seeks to capitalize on soaring demand for its product range. The announcement was made by the company on April 26, 2024, during a formal visit to the company’s headquarters in São José dos Campos by Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, President of Brazil.
According to a company statement, the sizeable investment includes funding targeted at research and development activities for new technologies, such as those that will be used in eVTOLs (electric vertical take-off and landing vehicles), and the expansion of aeronautical services, including the conversion of passenger aircraft into cargo aircraft.
The investment will also benefit Embraer’s defense and security product lines, efficiency improvement projects, and the expansion of “industrial activities” at the manufacturer.
For 2024, Embraer is expecting another strong year of growth with deliveries of between 72 and 80 commercial aircraft and between 125 and 135 executive jets. The company is forecasting revenue between $6 billion and $6.4 billion for the year.
Part of this growth is due to the manufacturer’s strong partnership with Brazilian airline Azul Linhas Aéreas. This carrier is expected to receive 13 E195-E2 jets in 2024. Indeed, one of Azul’s newest aircraft, still in the production phase, was presented and named by President Lula during his factory visit.
“Embraer begins a new phase of growth based on efficiency and innovation. We are focused on capturing our full potential in the different segments in which we operate towards more sustainable aviation,” said Francisco Gomes Neto, President and CEO of Embraer.
“And through partnerships with the public and private sector, we are expanding sales, opening new markets, and investing in new technologies, which makes it possible to increase the export of high-value-added products and create thousands of highly qualified jobs in Brazil,” he added.
New job opportunities
Of the 900 new positions being created at the Brazilian firm, around 90% of these will occur in the operations sector, with a huge range of skillsets being recruited. These include mechanics, electricians, millers, molders, aircraft maintenance technicians, and quality technicians with experience.
There will also be opportunities for production trainees who undergo training and qualification processes with internal mentors, said the company, as well as opportunities for engineers and in other administrative roles.
In 2023, Embraer increased its workforce by 1,500 employees and returned to pre-pandemic employment levels. The company currently has around 19,000 direct employees worldwide, of whom 88% are based in Brazil.
Additionally, Embraer’s growth took an upward step in 2023, when the company recorded a total revenue of $5.26 billion and achieved its best profitability since 2019. During 2023, the company delivered 181 – a number that represented a 13% increase over 2022.