Tata's in JV talks with Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer: report

Rio de Janeiro: Indian conglomerate, the Tata Group,may now be eyeing a partnership with famed Brazilian aircraft maker Embraer. The Group has lately begun to hit international headlines on a regular basis after acquiring Anglo-Dutch steel maker, Corus, and premium auto brands, Jaguar and Land Rover.

According to media reports, talks apparently are on with the Brazilian aircraft manufacturer for a joint venture to produce aircraft. Embraer, the world's third largest plane manufacturer, is unable to cope with the large orders that it has been receiving for its planes which serve commercial airliners, as well as corporate and individual clients. Its aircraft have also found application in the defence sector.

Reports suggest that talks are at an early stage.

Sao Paulo-headquartered Embraer (Empresa Brasileira de Aeronutica) is one of Brazil's leading exporters and has operations of various kinds in Brazil, the United States, France, Portugal, China and Singapore.

Embraer designs and develops aircraft for the commercial, executive and defence aviation segments.

The Tata Group has already struck an agreement with US aerospace giant Boeing to produce defence related products through a JV in February of this year.

Apart from a civilian application, Embarer has also been trying to interest the Indian defence sector with its aircraft that can also provide an AWACS platform. As a matter of fact, a recent Indian version of an AWACS design was designed to be hosted on an Embraer platform.

A booming Indian economy provides Embraer ample opportunities in the field of general aviation as well.