In a landmark agreement that underscores the strengthening ties between Brazil and Indonesia, Embraer, a global leader in aerospace manufacturing, and PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI), Indonesia’s premier aerospace company, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore strategic collaborations in commercial aviation. The signing ceremony took place during the Indonesia-Brazil CEO Forum, chaired by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto on the sidelines of the recently concluded G20 Summit in Brazil.
The agreement aims to identify partnership opportunities in engineering, the supply of aerostructures, and other areas within the commercial aviation ecosystem. With both companies boasting extensive experience in the aerospace sector, this collaboration is expected to create significant synergies, fostering technological innovation and industrial growth across emerging economies.
The MoU signing was witnessed by key figures, including Indonesian Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto, Special Presidential Envoy Hashim Djojohadikusumo, and Anindya Bakrie, Chairman of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN). Their presence underscored the importance of this collaboration as a step toward deepening economic and industrial partnerships between Brazil and Indonesia.
“This agreement represents a significant step forward in advancing aerospace collaboration between our nations,” said Rodrigo Silva e Souza, Vice President of Marketing for Embraer Commercial Aviation. “Indonesia is one of the fastest-growing aviation markets globally, and we are thrilled to explore opportunities that will enhance its aerospace capabilities and expand air connectivity.”
Under the framework of the MoU, Embraer and PTDI will conduct joint studies to evaluate opportunities in various domains.
Engineering: Leveraging expertise from both companies to develop advanced aerospace technologies.
Aerostructures Supply: Exploring potential partnerships in the manufacturing and supply of key aircraft components.
Innovation in Commercial Aviation: Promoting research and development to enhance capabilities in aircraft design and production.
The collaboration will adhere to rigorous commercial and technical standards, aligning with industry best practices to ensure the delivery of high-quality, performance-driven aerospace solutions.
Gita Amperiawan, President Director of PTDI, expressed optimism about the partnership, stating, “As Indonesia’s premier aerospace manufacturer, PTDI has strong ambitions for the country. This collaboration with Embraer, backed by 55 years of expertise, will bolster our capabilities, particularly in the commercial aviation sector.”
Embraer has maintained a notable presence in Indonesia, with its aircraft already playing a vital role in the country’s aviation ecosystem. The Indonesian Air Force operates a fleet of A-29 Super Tucanos, widely used for light attack and advanced training missions. Additionally, a substantial fleet of Embraer business jets serves the country’s growing demand for executive aviation.
PT Wira Jasa Angkasa (WJA), an Embraer-appointed authorized service center in Indonesia, provides comprehensive maintenance and support services, further reinforcing the company’s commitment to the region.
This collaboration with PTDI aligns with Embraer’s strategy of strengthening its presence in Asia, a region projected to lead global aviation growth in the coming decades.
PT Dirgantara Indonesia, established in 1976, has emerged as a key player in the aerospace industry in Asia. The company has a strong track record in designing and manufacturing aircraft for both civilian and military purposes, with a specialization in light and medium aircraft.
PTDI’s expertise extends to modifying system configurations and manufacturing structures for mission-specific purposes, including maritime patrol, surveillance, and coast guard operations. The company also provides aircraft services, catering to the diverse needs of its customers.
With decades of experience, PTDI has positioned itself as a regional leader in aerospace manufacturing, continuously expanding its capabilities to meet the growing demands of the aviation market.
The partnership between Embraer and PTDI comes at a time when emerging economies are seeking to bolster their aerospace industries to meet rising domestic and regional demand.
Indonesia, with its archipelagic geography, is one of the fastest-growing aviation markets globally, driven by a burgeoning middle class and increasing connectivity needs. The country’s aviation sector is expected to expand further as infrastructure investments and air travel demand grow.
For Brazil, the collaboration signifies an opportunity to strengthen trade and industrial ties with Southeast Asia, leveraging Embraer’s status as a leading manufacturer of commercial jets with up to 150 seats. The company’s aircraft are known for their efficiency, reliability, and adaptability to various operating environments, making them a natural fit for Indonesia’s diverse needs.
Technological Innovation: The collaboration will foster knowledge sharing and innovation, enabling the development of advanced aerospace technologies.
Economic Growth: By enhancing manufacturing capabilities and creating job opportunities, the partnership will contribute to the economic development of both countries.
Sustainability: Both companies are expected to explore solutions that align with global sustainability goals, including the development of fuel-efficient aircraft.
The leaders of both companies have emphasized the transformative potential of the partnership.
Rodrigo Silva e Souza highlighted Embraer’s vision for the collaboration, stating, “This partnership will allow us to harness our respective strengths, creating value not just for our companies but also for the broader aerospace ecosystem.”
Similarly, Gita Amperiawan reaffirmed PTDI’s commitment to advancing Indonesia’s aerospace capabilities, remarking, “With this collaboration, we aim to strengthen Indonesia’s position in the global aerospace industry and contribute to the nation’s economic growth.”
Founded in 1969 and headquartered in São José dos Campos, Brazil, Embraer has delivered over 9,000 aircraft to customers worldwide. The company’s diverse portfolio includes commercial and executive aviation, defense and security, and agricultural aviation.
Embraer is renowned for its focus on efficiency, reliability, and cutting-edge technology. On average, an Embraer-manufactured aircraft takes off every 10 seconds somewhere in the world, carrying more than 150 million passengers annually.
As the top exporter of high-value-added goods in Brazil, Embraer has established a global presence with industrial units, offices, and service centers across the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Europe.
PT Dirgantara Indonesia, also known as Indonesian Aerospace, was established in 1976 and is based in Bandung, Indonesia. The company specializes in designing and manufacturing aircraft for civilian and military applications, with a focus on light and medium aircraft.
PTDI’s capabilities include modifying system configurations and producing aerostructures for mission-specific purposes. Over the years, the company has expanded its expertise to become a key player in the aerospace industry in Asia.
