First export customer Embraer KC-390 Millennium, the Portuguese Air Force (FAP) carried out this Wednesday (10/04) the first parachutist launch using the new aircraft. 

According to the FAP, 58 launches were carried out by the KC-390 from Squadron 506 'Rhinos' near Tancos, Central Region of the country. Of these, 42 jumps were with automatic opening parachutes and the remaining 16 with manual opening. The number is just below the maximum capacity of 64 parachutists, according to Embraer. The multi-mission jet can also carry 80 fully equipped soldiers. 

“This type of training, which allows the qualification of our pilots in this type of mission, serves, at the same time, to operationalize and improve possible interventions where the role of parachutists is necessary, from their movement, launch and action on the ground”, highlights the Portuguese Air Force in note.

The first of five KC-390 Millennium, acquired by Portugal in 2019, arrived in the country in October 2023 and has since participated in several actions. Less than a week after being incorporated into the FAP, Embraer's tactical freighter participated in a NATO exercise in Spain. In December of the same year, the aircraft made his first aeromedical mission, transporting a newborn from the Azores to the capital Lisbon. 

In addition to Portugal, the Embraer KC-390 was selected by Hungary, the Netherlands, Austria, the Czech Republic and South Korea. Countries such as India, Sweden and Saudi Arabia are also interested in the Brazilian jet.