The EMB 110 Bandeirante aircraft is celebrated its 50th year of operation, becoming an icon of regional aviation and a precursor to the modern Brazilian aeronautical industry. On February 9th, 1973, the first aircraft was delivered to the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) in a ceremony at the Embraer factory in São José dos Campos, Sao Paulo. This first delivery marked the realization of a vision to transform science and technology into a high-value industrial activity in Brazil.
Brazilian Air Force Commander, Lieutenant-Brigadier Marcelo Kanitz Damasceno, stated that “The Bandeirante represents a major milestone for Brazilian aviation. Born from the dreams of visionaries like Ozires Silva, the aircraft played an essential role in Brazil’s integration and, year after year, proved to be a versatile, safe twin-engine capable of operating in all regions of our immense country.” He added, “This model represents more than just an aircraft that has been successfully used by the Brazilian Air Force for the last 50 years. It represents a victorious partnership that gave birth to the largest company in our aeronautical industry, a source of pride for all Brazilians. Congratulations, Embraer.”
Embraer’s President and CEO, Francisco Gomes Neto, praised the long-standing partnership between Embraer and FAB, stating that “The Bandeirante depicts the beginning of an important industrial cooperation. The aircraft was a milestone for the development of regional aviation worldwide and the first commercial success of the Brazilian aeronautical industry abroad.” He added, “Robust and versatile, the Bandeirante was produced in versions for civil and military use and it fills us with pride to know that many units are still in operation today.”
The Bandeirante project was first conceived at the Aeronautics Technical Center (CTA) in Sao Jose dos Campos and authorized by the Ministry of Aeronautics in 1965. The first flight took place on October 22nd, 1968, and the aircraft was named Bandeirante. 170 national companies collaborated on the project, ensuring its high degree of quality. In 1969, Embraer was created to develop an industrial structure for the scale production of the Bandeirante and improve the initial project.
The Bandeirante was designed to connect the diverse points of the national territory, such as the Amazon, Northeast, and Midwest of the country. It was a multi-platform aircraft and was used for various missions and purposes, including serving the needs of the FAB and Brazilian airlines like Transbrasil and VASP. The Bandeirante quickly conquered the international market and was exported to Uruguay in 1975, with the French airline Air Littoral becoming the first international customer of the civil version in 1977. The Bandeirante was highly successful in the North American regional market as well.
In the FAB, the Bandeirante was used for transportation, flight instruction and testing, and performed search, rescue, and reconnaissance missions, known as Banderulha, to patrol the Brazilian maritime territory. Today, the FAB’s Bandeirante fleet performs various missions in the national territory and plays a significant role in pilot training. Its robustness allows it to be used in remote and difficult-to-access regions, such as the Amazon, for logistical missions and humanitarian support.
With 498 aircraft delivered in 36 countries, the Bandeirante’s production lasted almost two decades, making it one of the best-selling aircraft in its category. It has established itself as a new era in regional air transport in Brazil and worldwide, due to its versatility
