Embraer flies first C-390 Millennium tactical transport for Czech air force

Prague’s lead twinjet is due to be flown to Europe by early July.

Embraer has conducted the debut flight of a C/KC-390 tactical transport for its fifth customer nation, with the lead of two examples ordered by the Czech Republic having taken to the air.

Images released by the Brazilian airframer on 25 May show the twinjet already sporting its Czech air force name, but with a temporary flight-test registration.

“The aircraft, compatible with NATO standards, will expand and modernise the country’s operational capabilities, performing a wide range of missions,” Embraer says in an X post.

Meanwhile, preparations continue to be made for the new type’s arrival at Prague-Kbely air base in late June or early July, the Czech defence ministry says. That process has already included a two-month package of training provided in Brazil for an initial batch of six pilots, six flight engineers and 12 ground-based engineering personnel.

“After the aircraft arrives in the Czech Republic, training will continue for another six months under the supervision of Brazilian instructors,” the ministry says.

“It is expected that within three months of the aircraft’s arrival, Czech crews will be fully certified to independently perform tasks around the world, from logistical flights for the benefit of the Czech armed forces to humanitarian missions.”

Embraer has now flown production C-390s for five customer nations. Source: Embraer

Embraer has already delivered examples of its military airlifter to the Brazilian air force in the KC-390 transport/tanker guise, and as the C-390 transport to export nations Hungary and Portugal.

It also late last year flew a first example of the ‘Millennium’ for South Korea, with that jet now being equipped with customer-specific equipment ahead of its delivery later this year.

Pitched by Embraer as a replacement for aged Lockheed Martin C-130s, the C-390 also has so far been selected to equip the air forces of Austria, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Sweden, the United Arab Emirates and Uzbekistan.

The airframer also is eyeing multiple other sales opportunities around the globe, with sales efforts underway in nations including Chile, Greece, India, Poland and Saudi Arabia.