Although Colombia had been identified as a potential KC-390 Millennium customer for years, budgetary constraints repeatedly postponed a final decision. As early as 2010, the government at the time signed a letter of intent paving the way for the purchase of up to 12 aircraft. The move was also intended to deepen industrial cooperation, with Embraer expressing its willingness to establish a factory in Colombia to manufacture components for the aircraft.
Photo: Embraer
It was only a dramatic event that gave the process real momentum. The decision to accelerate negotiations was made in April this year following the tragic crash of a Lockheed Martin C-130H Hercules, which killed 69 people. The KC-390 procurement forms part of a broader strategy to expand operational capabilities. Colombia has also ordered 17 Saab JAS-39E/F Gripen multirole combat aircraft, which will be able to receive aerial refueling from the Brazilian aircraft, complementing the country’s single Boeing KC-767. This represents an important step toward increasing the air force’s operational autonomy and mobility.
The Colombian contract marks another success for Embraer this year. In May, the manufacturer announced an agreement with the United Arab Emirates for 10 aircraft, with an option for 10 more, while a deal with Greece is expected to be finalized in the coming weeks. Under an intergovernmental agreement with Portugal, the Greek authorities are expected to acquire three aircraft, with an option for three additional examples.
In 2026, Embraer has already delivered two C-390s, one to Portugal and one to the Czech Republic. The global fleet currently numbers 15 aircraft, which have accumulated approximately 22,000 flight hours. Deliveries to South Korea and Uzbekistan are expected to begin in the near future. Overall, the Brazilian manufacturer plans to deliver up to six aircraft by the end of the year.