Embraer, a global leader in the aerospace industry, and the
State of the Netherlands have signed a landmark contract
today to deliver a cutting-edge Aeromedical Evacuation
System for the Royal Netherlands Air Force’s C-390
Millennium fleet. The contract, which comprises one firm
order plus seven purchase orders, was signed today by Vice
Admiral Jan Willem Hartman (MSc), Commander of the
Materiel and IT Command, and Bosco da Costa Junior,
President & CEO of Embraer Defense & Security, during a
ceremony at the Paris Air Show.
At the heart of the aeromedical system is a roll-on/roll-off
medical module – a self-contained, air-transportable unit that
functions as a mini hospital. It supports the treatment and
transport of patients, including those requiring full life support.
Its design also allows for the transport of infected patients,
protecting the medical staff and the crew.
All components of the aeromedical system are fully
compatible with the C-390’s Cargo Handling System (CHS)
and can be rapidly installed through the aircraft’s rear ramp,
©DBDC LTD
ensuring seamless integration and deployment. This
innovative system will significantly enhance the Netherlands’
ability to conduct humanitarian, disaster relief, and military
medical operations.
“This system will expand the operational capabilities of our C390 Millennium fleet, transforming them into a modular
airborne medical facility capable of delivering life-saving care
both in the air and on the ground. With these new capabilities,
we will be able to provide vital assistance when it is needed
most,” said Vice Admiral Jan Willem Hartman, Commander
of the Materiel and IT Command, Royal Netherlands Air
Force.
“The integration of this aeromedical system represents a
major step forward in the evolution of the C-390 Millennium,”
said Bosco Da Costa Junior, President & CEO of Embraer
Defense & Security. “We are proud to support the
Netherlands in strengthening their aeromedical response
capabilities with this innovative and mission-ready solution.
This modular medical system, which will enable the saving of
many lives throughout the aircraft’s operational life, is a
powerful example of the C-390’s remarkable evolution
potential.”
Since entering operation with the Brazilian Air Force in 2019,
the Portuguese Air Force in 2023 and, most recently with the
Hungarian Air Force in 2024, the C-390 Millennium has
proven its capability, reliability, and performance. The current
fleet in operation has demonstrated a mission capability rate
of 93% and mission completion rates above 99%.
The C-390 can carry more payload (26 tons) compared to
other medium-sized military transport aircraft and flies faster
(470 knots) and farther, being capable of performing a wide
range of missions, such as transporting and dropping cargo
and troops, medical evacuation, search and rescue,
firefighting and humanitarian missions, operating on
temporary or unpaved runways, such as packed earth, soil
and gravel. The aircraft configured with air-to-air refueling
equipment, with the designation KC-390, has already proven
its aerial refueling capacity both as a tanker
and as a receiver, in this case by receiving
fuel from another KC-390 using pods
installed under the wings.
Embraer is a global aerospace company
headquartered in Brazil. It manufactures
aircraft for Commercial and Executive
aviation, Defense & Security, and
Agricultural customers. The company also
provides after-sales services & support
through a worldwide network of wholly
owned entities and authorized agents.
Since it was founded in 1969, Embraer has
delivered more than 9,000 aircraft. On
average, about every 10 seconds an aircraft
manufactured by Embraer takes off
somewhere in the world, transporting over
150 million passengers a year.
Embraer is the leading manufacturer of
commercial jets up to 150 seats and is the
main exporter of high value-added goods in
Brazil. The company maintains industrial
units, offices, service and parts distribution
centers across the Americas, Africa, Asia,
and Europe.

©DBDC LTD