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After delivering 65 Ipanema agricultural airplanes in 2023, Embraer expects to deliver 70 units of the ethanol-powered plane in 2024. (Photo courtesy of Embraer.)

Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer recently delivered the 1,600th unit of its Ipanema agricultural airplane model, used for crop-dusting soybeans, corn, coffee, and other crops. Embraer has produced the Ipanema uninterrupted for five decades. In 2023, it delivered 65 units—an 18% increase vs. 2022—and says it expects to deliver 70 Ipanema airplanes this year.

The Ipanema Through The Years

Embraer, which also produces Phenom 100EX and 300E and Praetor 500 and 600 business jets and aircraft for the commercial aviation and defense and security sectors, began producing the Ipanema in the 1970s. It introduced the Ipanema EMB-203 model in 2015 with redesigned winglets and a 235-kilowatt (320-horsepower) Lycoming engine. Embraer unveiled the current incarnation of the EMB-203 in 2020.

The plane can reportedly dust up to 200 hectares (494 acres) per hour. Embraer also says it’s the only agriculture airplane certified and produced in series to operate on 100% ethanol, and further claims that the renewable energy source provides the engine with increased power.

A Positive Impact

Embraer credits demand for the Ipanema with driving expansion at its factory in Botucatu, Brazil, which employs more than 1,800 workers, and cites the plane’s positive impact on Brazil’s economy.

"Agribusiness has a significant positive impact on Brazil's gross domestic product (GDP), and we are very pleased to see how the Ipanema has contributed to the sector's high productivity, efficiency, and sustainability," says Sany Onofre, manager of the Embraer Ipanema program.

Employees at Embraer’s factory in Botucatu, Brazil, celebrate the 1,600th delivery of the company’s Ipanema agricultural airplane. (Photo courtesy of Embraer.)

Find Embraer Aircraft For Sale

AviationTrader.com.au regularly hosts listings for new and used piston agricultural aircraft and turbine agriculture aircraft for sale. Browse the site for numerous Embraer business jets for sale, as well.

Calculate Aircraft Costs Over Time

To determine how much specific aircraft will cost your organization over time, and to compare the operating costs of multiple types of aircraft, visit Aircraft Cost Calculator.