Embraer has inaugurated a new Service Center for its executive jets at Bertram Luiz Leupolz (SOD) Airport in the city of Sorocaba, Brazil.
The company’s new facility, which involved an investment of more than $25 million, is expected to generate up to 250 direct and specialized jobs over the coming years. The ceremony was attended by the Mayor of Sorocaba, Antônio Carlos Pannunzio, among other dignitaries.
“This new investment highlights Embraer’s commitment to its customers, the State of São Paulo, and Brazil,” said Frederico Fleury Curado, Embraer president and CEO.
The 20,000-square-meter area of the Service Center has two hangars, one of which is dedicated to maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) of executive jets manufactured by the company, and the other to support the operation of business aircraft (fixed-base operations – FBO).
The center comprises a passenger boarding and arrival terminal, providing airport services, meeting rooms for customers, and rest areas for crew members – all of which are equipped with TV, internet access and telephony.
The city of Sorocaba demonstrates a business aviation vocation, with more than 30 companies based at the airport, growing air traffic, and favorable weather. The airport’s proximity to the capital city of São Paulo, Greater Sorocaba’s continued development and its qualified work force were also strong factors influencing the decision.
With the inauguration of the Sorocaba facility, Embraer is expanding its Service Center network at strategic locations, to support the growing fleet of executive jets in Brazil.
In addition to the company-owned service center already in operation in the city of São José dos Campos, there are four other authorized service centers in the cities of Belo Horizonte, Brasília, Curitiba and Goiânia.
Complementing this network is a 24/7 Contact Center at the company’s headquarters. There are currently more than 160 Embraer Phenom and Legacy executive jets operating in Brazil.