Boeing, Embraer to collaborate on KC-390

FARNBOROUGH, England, July 11 (UPI) -- Embraer and Boeing have signed an agreement to jointly market and support the KC-390 multi-mission aerial refueler, the companies announced Monday.

Embraer will provide the aircraft while Boeing will handle in-service support, Boeing said in a statement.

The companies will work together to pursue new business opportunities both for the aircraft itself and for support and sustainment.

The agreement expands on an existing collaboration between the two companies.

They first announced their intent to jointly market the aircraft in 2012.

"The expansion of our relationship makes the best medium-sized airlift product available to customers, bolstered by the best support available," Embraer Defense & Security CEO Jackson Schneider said in the statement. "Boeing has outstanding experience in the military mobility market and the KC-390 is the most effective aircraft in its category."

The KC-390 is a tactical transport aircraft that can handle cargo and troop transport, troop and cargo air delivery, aerial refueling, forest fire fighting and search and rescue.

The Brazilian air force hired Embraer in 2009 to perform aircraft development.

The first prototype flew in February 2015 and two other prototypes are currently in flight test campaigns.

Officials expect the aircraft to receive certification by the end of 2017, with deliveries slated to begin in the first half of 2018, Boeing said.