Embraer has delivered the first C-390 Millennium to the Czech Air Force, completing the transfer about 20 months after Prague signed a contract for two aircraft.
The handover took place during a ceremony at Prague-Kbely Air Base. The aircraft had arrived in the Czech Republic earlier this month for acceptance activities and crew preparation. An official christening ceremony remains scheduled for next week's Farnborough International Airshow.
The Czech Republic becomes the fourth operator of the C-390 after Brazil, Portugal and Hungary. The aircraft will replace part of the Czech Air Force's tactical airlift capability while supporting NATO transport, humanitarian and military missions.
The C-390 can carry up to 26 tonnes of cargo, cruise at speeds of up to 470kt and operate from unpaved runways. Besides cargo and troop transport, the aircraft can perform medical evacuation, search-and-rescue, humanitarian relief and aerial refueling missions when equipped with the appropriate systems.
The Czech Republic was one of the first European countries to join the C-390 program through the participation of local aerospace companies in the aircraft's supply chain before selecting the type for its own air force.
Embraer has now secured C-390 orders from 12 countries. Besides Brazil, Portugal, Hungary and the Czech Republic, the aircraft has also been selected by Austria, the Netherlands, South Korea, Slovakia, Sweden, Uzbekistan and the United Arab Emirates.
South Korea is expected to become one of the next operators, with its first C-390 currently undergoing final flight tests ahead of delivery.
