Embraer highlights KC-390 and E2 jets in confident Dubai Airshow return
November 13, 2025
Embraer is heading to the Dubai Airshow with confidence and a line-up that reflects just how far the company has advanced in recent years.
Taking centre stage will be the new KC-390 Millennium demonstrator, appearing for the first time with a fresh paint scheme that has already caught attention in defence circles. It will share the spotlight with the efficient E195-E2 commercial jet and the E190F, a passenger-to-freighter conversion signalling Embraer’s growing focus on the cargo market.
The Brazilian manufacturer, which has seen a steady rise in both civil and military sales, views the Middle East and North Africa as key regions for future growth. Visitors will find Embraer’s display at Chalet A63-64.
Bookmark our page to stay up to date with the latest Dubai Airshow news.
KC-390 Millennium makes its airshow debut
Making its first appearance in Dubai, the KC-390 Millennium offers Embraer a timely opportunity to showcase the capabilities of its multi-mission airlifter. The new livery is more than cosmetic, representing a new chapter as Embraer pushes to position the KC-390 as a modern and versatile alternative in the global tactical transport market.
“This new visual identity represents an important milestone in the history of the KC-390 Millennium,” said Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security. “Its combination of speed, agility, robustness, reliability, and efficiency strengthens the defence capabilities of its operators and promotes strategic interoperability among allied nations.”
Designed for versatility, the KC-390 handles missions from troop transport and aerial refuelling to disaster relief and firefighting. Built for endurance, it can operate from semi-prepared runways and withstand extreme conditions, from desert heat to Antarctic cold.
Powered by two IAE V2500-E5 turbofan engines, the aircraft can carry up to 26 tonnes of cargo or 80 personnel, cruising at more than 500 knots with intercontinental range. Digital flight controls, modern avionics and a self-protection suite equip it for both tactical and strategic operations.
Firm orders have already been placed by Portugal, Hungary, and the Netherlands, with advanced discussions underway in India and Poland. Embraer hopes its Dubai showing will spark interest across the Middle East and North Africa, where demand for medium-lift transport aircraft is expected to rise.
Embraer’s E195-E2 continues to attract airlines
While the KC-390 targets defence customers, Embraer’s commercial highlight in Dubai will be the E195-E2 — the largest member of the new-generation E-Jet E2 family.
With its aerodynamic redesign, advanced avionics and Pratt & Whitney GTF engines, the E195-E2 delivers double-digit fuel savings compared with earlier regional jets. Airlines across Europe, Asia, and the Americas have been adding the type to their fleets, cementing Embraer’s leadership in the sub-150-seat market segment.
E190F gives cargo operations a lift
Completing the line-up is the E190F, a passenger-to-freighter conversion of the first-generation E-Jet series. The boom in e-commerce and regional logistics has created new demand for smaller, efficient freighters — a niche the E190F aims to fill.
Capable of carrying nearly 14 tonnes of payload, it offers operators a cost-effective, flexible alternative to ageing turboprops or larger narrowbody freighters. Its ability to use shorter or less developed runways makes it ideal for serving remote and regional destinations.
Eve Air Mobility: looking to the skies ahead
Sharing Embraer’s chalet is Eve Air Mobility, the company’s urban-air-mobility subsidiary. Eve recently signed a framework agreement with Bahrain’s Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications to prepare for electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) operations in the region.
The collaboration will help Bahrain develop regulatory frameworks, testing environments, vertiport infrastructure and workforce training to support future air-taxi services. Eve expects commercial operations by 2028, expanding to cross-border routes the following year.
Eve is also studying premium shuttle and tourism routes across the Gulf — including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, and Doha. Its aircraft will feature heat-resistant windows, UV and infrared protection, and a microclimate air-conditioning system to ensure passenger comfort in high-temperature environments.
Embraer ready to take on Dubai Airshow
Embraer’s President and CEO, Francisco Gomes Neto, said the Dubai Airshow offers an ideal stage to showcase the company’s growing momentum.
“We’re excited to return to the Dubai Airshow and present our advanced portfolio in such a strategic market,” he said. “The event is a great platform to drive new sales and strengthen our relationships with customers, partners, and the wider industry.”
