IBNS-CMEDIA: Aerospace leader Embraer and Adani Defence and Aerospace, a flagship company of Adani Enterprises Ltd, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop an integrated regional transport aircraft (RTA) ecosystem in India.
The partnership will explore collaboration across aircraft manufacturing, supply chains, aftermarket services, and pilot training, with a focus on establishing an assembly line followed by a phased increase in indigenisation. The initiative aligns with India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision and the UDAN regional connectivity program.
“India is a pivotal market for Embraer, and this partnership combines our aerospace expertise with Adani’s strong industrial capabilities and commitment to indigenisation,” said Arjan Meijer, President and CEO, Embraer Commercial Aviation. “Together, we will evaluate the most viable, advanced, and efficient solutions in support of India’s RTA ambitions and their potential implementation.”
The collaboration will leverage Embraer’s engineering and aircraft manufacturing expertise alongside Adani’s end-to-end aviation footprint, including airport infrastructure, aerospace manufacturing, MRO services, and pilot training.
“Regional aviation is the backbone of economic expansion. With initiatives like UDAN transforming air connectivity across Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, the need for an indigenous regional aviation ecosystem has become critical,” said Jeet Adani, Director, Adani Defence & Aerospace. “This partnership will also strengthen strategic relations between India and Brazil, bringing complementary capabilities together.”
The proposed ecosystem is expected to support domestic demand while generating significant direct and indirect employment across engineering, manufacturing, logistics, and support services.
“We are shaping India’s regional transport aircraft ecosystem, a bold stride toward Aatmanirbhar aviation that bridges urban-rural divides, generates high-skill employment, and elevates India’s position in the global aerospace industry,” said Ashish Rajvanshi, President & CEO, Adani Defence & Aerospace.
Embraer has a long-standing presence in India, with nearly 50 aircraft across commercial, defense, and business aviation sectors. Aircraft operated by the Indian Air Force include the Legacy 600 and the ‘Netra’ AEW&C aircraft based on the Embraer ERJ145 platform, while Star Air operates a fleet of 13 E175 and ERJ145 aircraft.
Adani Defence & Aerospace is India’s largest integrated private defence and aerospace player, building capabilities across aircraft, unmanned systems, avionics, weapons, and sustainment, with a focus on indigenous aerospace manufacturing aligned with national security priorities.
With the country’s largest MRO ecosystem and a rapidly scaling pilot training platform, the company is strengthening India’s aviation value chain end-to-end.
