Embraer Equips Netherlands’ C-390 Millennium Fleet with Flying Hospital Capability

The Royal Netherlands Air Force is set to expand the versatility of its C-390 Millennium fleet by turning it into a flying hospital, thanks to a new agreement with Brazilian aerospace company Embraer. The deal introduces an advanced aeromedical evacuation system that will allow the aircraft to transport critically ill or injured patients with full life-support capabilities, even during flight.

The agreement was formalized by Vice Admiral Jan Willem Hartman, Dutch Commander of the Materiel and IT Command, and Embraer CEO Bosco da Costa Junior. While the financial terms and detailed quantities were not publicly disclosed, the contract includes one firm order and seven additional purchase orders. This major enhancement marks a turning point in the C-390’s mission profile, adding critical humanitarian and emergency response roles to its military transport capabilities.

At the heart of this upgrade is a modular roll-on/roll-off medical unit. It is designed like a self-contained intensive care unit (ICU) that can be quickly loaded into the aircraft like standard cargo. Once inside, it transforms the aircraft into a fully functional airborne medical facility. It includes not only full life support systems and advanced monitoring equipment but also features an isolation area to safely handle patients with infectious diseases—ensuring protection for medical staff and crew.

This configuration is particularly vital for situations requiring rapid response to natural disasters, battlefield evacuations, or pandemic-related medical crises. The modularity also allows the Royal Netherlands Air Force to quickly switch the C-390 between its standard cargo role and medical missions without permanently altering the aircraft.

Vice Admiral Hartman expressed that the new system significantly enhances the operational scope of the C-390 Millennium fleet. “It transforms the aircraft into a modular airborne medical facility capable of delivering life-saving care both in the air and on the ground,” he said. Embraer’s CEO Bosco da Costa echoed this sentiment, stating that the system represents a leap forward in both innovation and operational readiness for aeromedical missions.

The C-390 Millennium, already known for its robust performance as a multi-mission transport aircraft, can carry up to 26 metric tons of cargo and fly at speeds reaching 470 knots (about 870 kilometers or 540 miles per hour). Its rugged design allows it to operate from both paved and unpaved runways, making it well-suited for remote or underdeveloped regions where medical infrastructure might be limited.

Beyond the Netherlands, interest in the C-390 is growing. Lithuania recently selected the aircraft as its future military transport platform, and Portugal has announced plans to acquire a sixth KC-390—a tanker variant of the aircraft. These developments reflect the growing reputation of the C-390 as a reliable, multi-purpose aircraft capable of adapting to a wide range of military and humanitarian roles.

By introducing this flying hospital capability, the Netherlands is not only enhancing its national defense infrastructure but also boosting its ability to respond to global crises and emergencies with agility and compassion.