Story ID: 
Embraer Founder Ozires Silva Receives Guggenheim Medal
By: Kerry Lynch
Caption: Ozires Silva helped establish Embraer in 1969 to produce a project that ultimately became the Bandeirante regional turboprop twin.
Word Count: 245
Embraer co-founder Ozires Silva was honored with the Daniel Guggenheim Medal, becoming the first Brazilian to receive the international recognition. Established in 1929 to honor innovators who have made notable achievements in the advancement of aeronautics, the medal is jointly sponsored by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, American Society of Mechanical Engineers, SAE International, and the Vertical Flight Society

“This distinguished recognition to Ozires Silva reflects his innovative and exceptional contributions to aviation. His passion, courage, and leadership paved the way for Embraer to expand in ways that few imagined, transforming regional aviation, and leading our company to be admired globally,” said Francisco Gomes Neto, president and CEO of Embraer.

He joins the ranks of William Boeing, Lawrence Bell, Leroy Grumman, Igor Sikorsky, Charles Lindbergh, and Marcel Dassault in receiving the recognition.

Born Jan. 8, 1931, in São Paulo, Brazil, Silva entered the Brazilian Air Force in 1948 and later received a degree in aeronautical engineering from the Technological Institute of Aeronautics. After graduating, he led the Research and Development Institute's Aircraft Department and in 1965 began working on a project that ultimately became the Bandeirante. As that program began to develop, Silva helped establish Embraer in 1969 to produce the aircraft.

The first of the regional twin turboprop was handed over in 1973 and production continued through 1990 with nearly 500 built. Silva served as the company's superintendent director until 1986, returning in 1992 for a brief stint as the company restructured.