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Embraer restores Bandeirante prototype

Last October 19, history became the present—in a manner of speaking. Former employees of Embraer unveiled a restored Bandeirante prototype to commemorate the model’s 40th anniversary.

The plane was introduced in October 1968 during an event attended by public officials and aircraft engineers.

“The Bandeirante is a benchmark for the Brazilian and worldwide aeronautics industry and we are very pleased to contribute to the planes preservation and to tell its story, which is good reason for the justifiable pride of all Brazilians” said Horacio Forjaz, Embraer’s Executive VP for Corporate Affairs.

The aircraft was disassembled and bought to Embraer headquarters, where teams consisting of current and former Embraer employees worked on the restoration. The operation began in September 1, and ended a month after.

Jose Vicente Cabral Checchia, the president of the Santos Dumont Foundation, was more than happy to see the results of the project. Checchia commented, “The restoration of the Bandeirante prototype is an important historical feat. We are very happy about Embraer’s sensitivity and that the airplane has returned home.”