I’m not usually one who dwells on the past but looking back on 2016 makes me feel upbeat about things to come in 2017.

It’s been a year of challenges for Embraer Commercial Aviation and for the dedicated professionals in São José and around the world who I’m so fortunate to lead. Collectively, we’ve worked hard to deliver on our promises. This year, we’ve seen new airplanes roll out our factory doors and take to the skies. We passed the 1,300th E-Jet production milestone. We welcomed new customers in Europe, China and Russia. And we’re tracking right on schedule for delivery of the first E2 in the first half of 2018.

I´m optimistic 2017 will present multiple and deep opportunities for Embraer and our customers. We’re finishing a year in which airlines will post record profitability, projected to be about US$36 billion. A record number of people will have flown commercially, some 3.5 billion, there’s strong global RPK growth, and fuel prices remain low. On top of that, manufacturers will have delivered some 1,700 new airplanes and we’re seeing the lowest inventory of stored aircraft in 15 years.

I’m thankful that we’re heading into 2017 with such a strong tailwind but I’m particularly thankful for the loyalty of our customers, tireless efforts of our employees, and confidence of our shareholders.

My very best wishes of health, peace and prosperity to everyone in 2017.

John Slattery