Embraer is writing a new chapter in Chihuahua

During the Automotive & Aerospace Nearshpring Summit 2029 in Chihuahua, organized by Mexico Now magazine, Embraer—one of the world’s leading manufacturers of commercial and executive aircraft—presented itself to various stakeholders as the third-largest aerospace manufacturer in the world and shared a new chapter in the company’s history.

Through the conference titled “Embraer Mexico: A New Chapter in Chihuahua,” Adolfo Viramontes, Plant Director of Embraer Mexico, spoke about the great work Embraer has done in Mexico since its inception—a “dream” that began on an airstrip in Brazil in 1969.

The director also reported on the 9,000 aircraft worldwide that take off every 10 seconds across the globe we call Earth, as well as the types of aircraft they produce, with business jets being the key to their success. however, the plant in Chihuahua has been responsible for manufacturing commercial aircraft, a process that involves parts sourced from various countries and assembled at that Mexican plant. Furthermore, the company’s growth in the development of technologies implemented in its military aircraft has also been recognized.

Nevertheless, Viramontes did not forget to showcase the light aircraft currently in service that come directly from the production plant in Chihuahua, such as its first-generation E-JETS F1, as well as the second-generation E-JETS F2. This successful family of narrow-body commercial aircraft has been developed over the years for a new generation of pilots and passengers, adapting to today’s needs.

Furthermore, this diverse fleet of aircraft not only boasts the world’s highest fuel efficiency but is also produced by a manufacturer that ranks third among international aircraft manufacturers, with facilities in several countries but assembly taking place in Mexico.

The Embraer Mexico plant in Chihuahua is highly diversified; in addition to serving as its own supplier, it holds several certifications necessary for aircraft manufacturing. As part of its future plans, the plant aims to produce 88 aircraft this month, though its ultimate challenge and goal is to manufacture 100 aircraft annually.

However, the company currently faces several challenges, such as aircraft demand that has increasingly outpaced its own production capacity, and the recent merger with its former partner EZ Air Interior Limited, through which it assumed full control previously shared with Safran. Additionally, a transformation of operations in Chihuahua is expected, with the goal of turning it into a center of excellence in interior manufacturing—a goal Viramontes has assured will undoubtedly be achieved.

The company recognizes that Chihuahua has become a key part of its global strategy, thanks to the specialized talent in the city that has come to work at the plant, its proximity to the U.S. border—one of the main aerospace markets—and its thirteen years of operation in the state, making it a hub in a global network with enormous potential for development.

Embraer is one of the few brands in Mexico responsible for manufacturing all the components used in various types of light aircraft—with the exception of the seats. Whenever someone travels in one of its models, they can see how every component around them has been meticulously manufactured throughout the entire production process.

Finally, Viramontes shared the plan that the Chihuahua plant has in mind for its near future; with the support of suppliers, government authorities, and students, Embraer will gain recognition that will help establish itself in Chihuahua’s industry as one of the largest manufacturers and plants, alongside other companies that have achieved this status.

However, concerns within its ecosystem are growing, presenting challenges that the plant will have to overcome to remain among the best manufacturers in the country.

It is important to emphasize that the company has sought to be the best—not by being the largest, but by delivering the highest quality, safety, and OTD, while navigating the challenges of commercial aviation.

Embraer seeks to be the best through quality, safety, and OTD, facing challenges in the a