Article Posted on : - Jan 12, 2009

Super Tucano. Embraer image

BRASILIA (BNS): Brazil's aviation giant Embraer has sold eight Super Tucano light attack aircraft to the Dominican Republic adding yet another success story.

Embraer is now the world's third biggest commercial jet maker and it is constantly consolidating its position as one of the leaders. The company has refused to release figures about the price tag on the Super Tucano deal. The aircraft is expected to be used by Dominican Republic for patrolling its borders against drug traffickers. The Caribbean country has been fighting drug mafia for years and it hopes that use of air power could deter the heavily armed smugglers.

The security forces of Dominican Republic already have a fleet of 25 Super Tucanos. The success of these aircraft led the country to order more planes and strengthen their positions.

The utility of the aircraft has prompted other countries to have a close look at the flying machine. Ecuador is keen to join the list of buyers as it wants to procure the aircraft for its military.

Embraer's chief executive Frederico Curado was quoted as saying that despite keen interest shown by buyers the sales might dip in 2009 as there was problem of credit in the global aviation market. The global meltdown is expected to have an impact on the sale of aircraft and Embraer has predicted that it would also be affected.

The Brazilian company has already revised its forecast for 2009. It had estimated that it would sell 315 to 350 jets but the number has now been brought down to 270.

Embraer is the world's leading producer of regional jets seating up to 120 passengers. It also makes luxury business jets and military aircraft. Its luxury E-jet series has been sold all over the world to corporate customers. Lineage 1000, one of the four E-jet series aircraft, has recently been approved for flying in the American market.