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Embraer has started the construction of its new Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) center for commercial jets at Perot Field Fort Worth Alliance Airport (AFW) in Texas. The milestone was celebrated with a groundbreaking ceremony attended by Embraer executives, local officials, and representatives from partner companies. The Brazilian manufacturer has hundreds of regional jets flying across the US, and the establishment of this center will bring more economic opportunities to Fort Worth. The new center will be part of Embraer’s global network, serving as a hub for maintenance work and innovation. Expanding MRO Capabilities In Texas Embraer’s new facility is scheduled to open by 2027. It will allow the manufacturer to increase capacity by 53% to serve E-Jets operators in the United States. The investment is expected to reach up to $70 million and create up to 250 new skilled aviation jobs in Texas. In June 2025, Embraer started operations at an existing hangar at Alliance Airport, in collaboration with the City of Fort Worth, Denton County, and the State of Texas. With construction commencing at the site, Embraer marks a new chapter in its journey in the US, where it has been present for over 46 years. The new facility represents a long-term commitment to the US market. Parties across industry, government, and education will come together to innovate and build the infrastructure and talent base that will sustain aviation in the region. Embraer President and CEO Francisco Gomes Neto said, “We are honored to be here in Fort Worth, Texas – a city that represents innovation, resilience, and opportunity – to celebrate the groundbreaking of our new Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul facility at Perot Field Alliance Airport. Investing In The Local Economy Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker describes Alliance Airport as a hub for innovation and economic opportunity. Embraer’s new facility will further strengthen Fort Worth’s position as a leader in aviation and advanced manufacturing. The investment also highlights the strength of the city’s business environment and the talent of its workforce. The expansion will mark a new era in the city’s long and proud aviation legacy. Earlier this year, Texas Governor Greg Abbott officially declared Fort Worth the Aviation and Defense Capital of Texas. The designation, introduced by state representatives and sponsored by the Texas Comptroller, acknowledges the city’s leadership in aerospace and defense manufacturing and technology. The declaration recognizes Fort Worth’s deep history in aircraft production, including the B-36 Peacemaker, B-58 Hustler, F-16 Fighting Falcon, and F-35 Lightning II. Alliance Airport is the second-largest airport facility in North Texas after Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). AFW is owned by the city of Fort Worth and managed by Alliance Air Services. While it does not welcome any major commercial passenger airlines, it provides a range of aviation services and serves cargo operations. The new MRO center will be part of Embraer’s global facilities, which include over 80 authorized service centers and 13 Embraer-owned service centers. Embraer Operations In The US Although Embraer has been present in the US for nearly five decades, its E-Jets started operating in the US in 2005. The E190 was launched by JetBlue, although the airline has now retired the aircraft. While the number of regional jets is decreasing in the US, they remain a vital part of the ecosystem, operating on various domestic and regional routes. According to ch-aviation, there are over 800 Embraer E-Jets in active service with 15 operators across the US. SkyWest Airlines is the largest operator with 265 aircraft, followed by Republic Airways with 253, and Envoy Air with 173. SkyWest and Republic operate services for American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United, while Envoy is a wholly owned subsidiary of the American Airlines Group.
