Luiz Fuchs
Why did your company first choose to invest in France?
Well, we have been here for 28 years now. We first started in 1983, when we sold more than 100 aircraft to the French Air Force and they still fly our planes today. After that, of course, the second main reason why we chose to invest here is logistical. We are responsible for Africa, the Middle East and all of Europe and so Charles de Gaulle airport is extremely important in that it enables us to deliver the parts and provide support to all the airlines in these three regions.
What makes France attractive to you as an investor?
As I mentioned previously, the main reason that we are here is to provide technical support to all the airlines in three regions: Africa, the Middle East and Europe. So in terms of investment, we felt that this was the location to be, because of the availability of flights and accessibility to these areas; one day we can go to the Middle East, the next day we can go to Africa. It really is a perfect place for us to be able to support all the airlines in these three regions.
What are the advantages of a French workforce?
Well, I think they are very well-educated, even though the English level is still perfectible. There is a natural proximity between Brazilian and French culture. There are close historical ties between the two countries, so I think that most of our Brazilian employees who are posted in France find it an easy place to live. We have a good relationship with our French workforce.
Have any recent changes in French regulations made it easier for Embraer to do business here?
Yes, I would mention the improvement in immigration procedures, which are easier and more flexible today; new laws exonerating certain additional incomes; the changes in professional taxation which are underway; VAT credits paid on a monthly basis; and new openings for agreements in cases of personal dismissal.
What are your company’s future investment plans in France?
So far we have been here in France for 28 years and we are growing. We began this year with around 220 employees and we hope to finish the year close to 300. Our business is growing substantially here and we are now providint parts and support from close to 1,000 airecraft in the three regions I mentioned earlier. Consequently we want to maintain our operations here and build on our strengths.
