Brazil, U.S. collaborate for aviation

Boeing is partnering up with Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer S.A. to develop new ways to boost aircraft efficiency, safety and productivity. This agreement, forged at the recent annual meeting of the U.S.-Brazil CEO Forum, comes on the heels of the Federal Aviation Administration’s launch of the U.S-Brazil Aviation Partnership.

A public-private venture designed to “enhance bilateral cooperation,” the U.S-Brazil Aviation Partnership delves into areas such as airport expansion, airspace management, and safety and security. “These programs will support Brazil’s aviation infrastructure development priorities, while connecting U.S. companies to the growing business opportunities in the sector,” according to a press release issued by the FAA.

It seems that Boeing and Embraer have embraced this idea. Under their new partnership, the two aircraft manufacturers will collaborate about commercial aircraft features that improve safety and efficiency and share new research ideas. They will also look for other areas to work together in the future, according to a press release.

Boeing CEO Jim Albaugh praised this partnership as a “significant agreement between two proven aerospace leaders that provides real opportunities to reduce customers’ operational costs and enhance fleet efficiency.”

Frederico Curado, president and CEO of Embraer, echoed Albaugh’s statements. “Embraer has a clear commitment toward innovation sensu lato as well as aviation safety and efficiency,” Curado said in a statement. “I’m certain that the collaboration with Boeing in some leading-edge matters will be beneficial for the industry and strengthen the ties between Brazil and the United States.”

This isn’t the first time Boeing and Embraer have joined forces, however. Last month, the two aviation manufacturers signed and MoU with competitor Airbus to collaborate on the development of affordable aviation biofuels.