Brazil’s Embraer Recommits to Macon

Commercial and business jet maker Embraer, one of Brazil’s showpiece companies and the third largest aircraft manufacturer in the world, has renewed its lease on an aircraft maintenance facility in Macon, extending its commitment to Middle Georgia for up to 15 more years.

The lease comes six years after the company initiated what amounted to an extended trial period to test the business environment before committing to a longer-term presence in Georgia.

Macon officials said the renewal is a validation of the company’s business case in the city after it replaced Canadian plane maker Bombardier and committed to hiring 100 people. The company also works with experienced local companies to provide paint and refueling services to customers.

Before Embraer landed in Macon, the Macon Bibb County Industrial Development Authority assumed the costs and operations of the hangar space at the Middle Georgia Regional Airport. The authority has been subleasing the space to Embraer, continuing to cover costs as the company made rent payments.

That arrangement will continue for at least five years, with the new agreement carrying options for two more five-year extensions, the authority said in a news release.

Embraer officials said the new lease shows their commitment to the community, and the authority added that it hopes the new deal will inspire the company exceed its initial hiring commitments.

“Their ongoing presence not only solidifies our partnership but also reaffirms the thriving business environment we are nurturing in Macon-Bibb County,” Mayor Lester Miller said in the release.

Embraer has delivered more than 8,000 aircraft since its founding in 1969. According to the company, one of its aircraft takes off somewhere in the world on average every 10 seconds.

Learn more about Embraer Aircraft Maintenance Services.