Embraer C-390 Millennium (c/n 39000020, “0520” of Vzdušné síly AČR / the Czech Air Force) during one of its first training flights over the country, August 2026.
Development of the Brazilian medium-sized military transport aircraft began in the mid-2000s. Initially, the project was intended as a derivative of the Embraer E190 airliner, but at the end of the decade it evolved into a new design, while still incorporating several elements and solutions used in the E-Jet family of aircraft. In 2009, Força Aérea Brasileira (the Brazilian Air Force) officially ordered two prototypes of the aeroplane.
The first prototype of the Embraer KC-390 performed its maiden flight on 3 February 2015. A few months later, the manufacturer officially acknowledged that the airlifter development programme had suffered a significant delay, caused by government budget cuts.
In March 2016, the second prototype of the KC-390 completed its first flight. The flight and ground test phase lasted until October 2018. That month, the aeroplane received Brazilian civil type certification, while the third example of the aircraft – and the first production KC-390 – performed its maiden flight.
The first production airlifter was delivered to the Brazilian Air Force in September 2019. In November that year, during the Dubai Air Show, the manufacturer announced that the aircraft had officially been designated the C-390 Millennium.
The C-390 is a high-wing monoplane powered by a pair of International Aero Engines IAE V2500-E5 turbofan engines. The aeroplane is equipped with a full fly-by-wire flight control system and a Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion commercial avionics suite, head-up displays, a Thales navigation system, Gabbiano tactical radar and a self-defence suite developed by Elbit Systems.
The Embraer airlifter can carry payloads of up to 26,000 kg (57,000 lb), or up to 80 soldiers / 66 paratroopers with their equipment. The aircraft is equipped with a large rear ramp and side doors, as well as low-pressure tyre landing gear, allowing the C-390 to operate from unpaved or austere airstrips.
One of the most interesting features of the C-390 is its multi-mission capability. The aircraft can be used not only for troop or cargo transport, but also as a tanker or special operations support aircraft. The C-390 is also capable of performing search-and-rescue and MEDEVAC missions, can be used for VIP transport duties and can serve as a firefighting aircraft.
Although branded by Embraer, the C-390 Millennium is manufactured in cooperation with several aviation companies from around the world. They include, inter alia, Boeing, BAE Systems, OGMA, Rockwell Collins and Aero Vodochody.
As mentioned earlier, the Brazilian Air Force became the first customer for the C-390. Initially, Força Aérea Brasileira planned to purchase 28 aircraft, but this order was later reduced to 19 airlifters. Portugal and Hungary became the first international operators, ordering six and three aircraft, respectively.
In 2026, the Czech Air Force became the fourth operator of the C-390 Millennium. Two aircraft were officially ordered in October 2024, with the first arriving in the Czech Republic on 6 July 2026. Delivery of the second example is expected in December 2027.
Among other future C-390 operators, Austria, the Netherlands, South Korea and Sweden should be mentioned.
It should also be mentioned that in 2026, the Brazilian manufacturer launched a strong marketing campaign for the C-390. In April that year, the aircraft began a 70-day global tour, visiting 11 countries and covering over 86,900 km. As a result, delivery contracts were signed in 2026 by Colombia, Greece and the United Arab Emirates.
Shortly after its arrival and official presentation, the first Czech C-390 left for the Farnborough International Airshow, where a naming ceremony was held. The aeroplane was named „Karel Toman-Mareš” in honour of the first commander of No. 311 (Czechoslovak) Squadron RAF during the Second World War.
Our Photo of the Week features the first Czech C-390 during one of its first training flights over the country, performed at the beginning of August 2026.
