Paraguay’s air force has confirmed an order for six of Embraer’s A-29 Super Tucano aircraft. Embraer plans to deliver the light attack and training platform starting in 2025 under a contract announced Tuesday that includes mission equipment and an integrated logistics services agreement.
Embraer launched export versions of the Super Tucano in April 2023 with capabilities that also cover armed reconnaissance and close air support. The program now has collected orders for more than 260 aircraft since it first entered service with Brazil’s air force in 2019.
The Paraguayan order marked the second breakthrough deal for Embraer’s Defense & Security division at the Farnborough Airshow this week. On Monday, the Dutch and Austrian air forces signed agreements for nine of the Brazilian manufacturer’s C-390 Millennium multi-role military aircraft. Under the joint Replacement of Tactical Airlift Capacity program, five aircraft will go to the Netherlands with the remaining four to Austria.
At a press conference on Tuesday, Embraer plans to upgrade its E175 airliner, with features already available on its more current E2 model. They include new luggage bins with space for each passenger to bring a bag on board, new mood lighting in the cabin, and the introduction of satellite connectivity supported by both the GEO and LEO constellations through the Ka and Ku bands. New Recaro seats will now serves as an alternative to the standard Safran seats.
On the E-175-E2 itself, Embraer is preparing to roll out a 2.5% improvement in fuel burn from the fourth quarter of 2025. Arjan Meijer, president and CEO of Embraer's commercial aviation division, told reporters the company has been too conservative on fuel burn data and that the improvement will expand its competitive gap with the rival Airbus A220 aircraft.
With Pratt & Whitney, Embraer is optimizing the climb thrust on the E175-E2’s PW1700G engines from the start of 2025. Meijer said that starting in 2026, airlines will have the option to add four more seats.
Also new on the E2s is Embraer's enhanced takeoff system, which automatically optimizes the takeoff distance profile. That should deliver more available fuel to extend range or more payload. Meijer said the range out of London City Airport would increase by 350 nm.
Finally, Embraer confirmed that a few days ago Brazil’s ANAC aviation regulator certified the new E190-F cargo aircraft. The new model is making its international debut at the Farnborough Airshow.