The Minister of Ports and Airports, Silvio Costa Filho, and the President of the Republic, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, visited on Wednesday (25) the Latam aeronautical maintenance center (MRO) in São Carlos (SP). The unit is considered the largest in South America in the segment and is undergoing an expansion process focused on research, development and innovation.
During the agenda, the installations of the complex were presented, responsible for about 60% of the scheduled maintenance of the Latam group fleet. The center employs approximately 2,000 professionals and plays a strategic role for Brazil's aeronautical industry, concentrating activities of high technical complexity.
The expansion of the unit includes investments of R$ 78 million, with support from the Financier of Studies and Projects (Finep) and the National Bank for Economic and Social Development (BNDES), and covers projects aimed at aircraft modernization, development of aeronautical subparts and the incorporation of digital solutions for maintenance. The initiative also contributes to establishing the city of São Carlos as a hub of innovation in the aerospace sector.
President Lula highlighted the potential of the partnership for the country's development. "What is happening here today is a marriage long expected, between one of the world's largest aircraft producers and one of the largest companies in Latin America. And I am sure that this partnership will be a success for both companies and will be a success for Brazil," he celebrated.
The Vice-President of the Republic and Minister of Development, Industry, Trade and Services, Geraldo Alckmin, stressed the importance of the partnership for strengthening the national industry. "Today is a special day and a demonstration of those who believe in Brazil," he stated.
Minister Silvio Costa Filho highlighted the importance of Latam's center. "I am very happy to see here thousands of people from São Paulo, from Pernambuco, people who came from the North of the country and are participating in this beautiful facility, which generates more than 2,000 jobs. May other airlines follow Latam's example and invest in Embraer aircraft, which today are a reference worldwide," he said.
The visit also marked the celebration of the 25th anniversary of the company's technological complex in Brazil. In the period between 2023 and 2026, Latam's investments in the country total approximately US$ 4 billion, reinforcing the group's commitment to expanding its operations and modernizing its fleet.
This movement is aligned with recent industry initiatives, such as the acquisition of Embraer aircraft by the company. The agreement provides for the purchase of up to 74 E195-E2 model aircraft, with 24 already confirmed, with an estimated investment of approximately US$ 2.1 billion (over R$ 11 billion).
Latam Brasil CEO Jerome Cadier highlighted the strategic relevance of the unit and the role of the maintenance center for the company. "This space is the crown jewel of Latam. A maintenance center with more than 2,000 employees, doing aircraft maintenance, repair and component production and much more. It is a dream that never stops growing," he celebrated.
Aeronautical Industry
Earlier, in Gavião Peixoto (SP), President Lula and Minister Silvio Costa Filho attended the presentation of the F-39E Gripen fighter jet; the first supersonic aircraft produced in the country. The project, developed in partnership with Swedish company Saab, involves technology transfer and investments of R$ 28.5 billion in the period from 2014 to 2033.
The initiative reinforces the advancement of the Brazilian aeronautical industry and expands the country's capacity to develop high-complexity technologies, with impacts on the generation of qualified jobs and the strengthening of the national production chain.
Source: https://www.gov.br/portos-e-aeroportos/pt-br/assuntos/noticias/2026/03/presidente-lula-e-silvio-costa-filho-visitam-centro-de-manutencao-aeronautica-em-sao-carlos-sp
