The delivery came just 20 months after the Czech Republic signed its acquisition agreement with the Brazilian manufacturer.
The ceremony was attended by Czech Defence Minister Jaromír Zůna, General Miroslav Hlaváč, Chief of the General Staff, General Petr Tománek, Commander of the Czech Air Force, and Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security.
Brigadier General Jaroslav Falta, Commander of the 24th Air Transportation Base, said the aircraft “provides the Czech Air Force with a significant new airlift capability, enabling us to transport heavy and oversized cargo over long distances while strengthening our support for NATO operations and emergency response at home.”
Falta added that “while the aircraft itself is a remarkable capability, its true strength lies in our people,” crediting their “professionalism and dedication.”
Minister Zůna called the delivery “an important milestone for the Czech Armed Forces,” saying the aircraft would enhance the transport of “personnel, equipment and humanitarian assistance.”
He said the C-390 would “strengthen the readiness, flexibility and operational effectiveness” of Czech forces “for many years to come.”
Da Costa Junior said Embraer was “proud to deliver this first aircraft,” describing the Czech Republic as “a valued partner of the C-390 Millennium program from its outset.”
He credited Czech industry’s “strong and sustained involvement” in the programme, saying its contribution “will continue to grow alongside the program’s success.”
Da Costa Junior pledged that Embraer would “stand by your side – today, tomorrow, and for decades to come.”
The Czech Republic joins a growing list of C-390 operators that includes Brazil, Portugal, Hungary, South Korea, the Netherlands, Austria, Uzbekistan, Sweden, the United Arab Emirates, Slovakia and Lithuania.
Embraer says the aircraft can carry up to 26 tonnes of payload and fly at speeds of up to 470 knots, exceeding other medium-sized military transport aircraft.
The C-390 can operate from unpaved or temporary runways and perform missions including cargo and troop transport, airdrops, medical evacuation, search and rescue, firefighting and humanitarian relief.
When fitted with air-to-air refuelling equipment, the aircraft can also function as either a tanker or a receiver.
