Embraer deal to support IAF exec jets

BY A CORRESPONDENT
May 6, 2006

Embraer has signed a deal with the Indian government to offer maintenance support for five Embraer Legacy 600 executive jet planes which are currently used by the Indian Air Force and the Border Security Force. Under the 10-year contract, Embraer will provide one of the most complete support packages ever offered to a defense customer in Asia.

Said Ricardo Bester, Vice-President, Customer Support -- Defense and Government Market: This is a huge opportunity for Embraer, as this customer is one of the largest air forces in the world."

The contract with the Brazilina airframe maker is intended to increase the operational efficiency of the aircraft in use. "We have similar agreements with the Belgian and Greek Air Forces," Bester added.

The deal will cover a spare parts exchange program (pool), a repair program, several technical assistance services, such as field support, back-office engineering, technical publications updates, recurrent training, and a Rental Program for ground support equipment (GSE).