Maturity Evolution in Benchmark Organizations
CASE STUDY
By Júlio César G. de Abreu, Tamires Françoso da Costa
and Fábio Marcelo Messias
Brazil
ABSTRACT
This article presents a longitudinal analysis of the evolution of project management maturity at Embraer Commercial Aviation, highlighting lessons learned, critical success factors, and challenges encountered throughout the journey. The research is based on formal maturity assessments, institutional documents, awards, and national and international recognitions. The study demonstrates Embraer’s path toward consolidating a project and program management culture and proposes recommendations for its continuous improvement in this area.
Keywords: project management maturity, lessons learned, Embraer Commercial Aviation, Embraer S.A.
“The content and opinions presented in this article were developed by the authors based on their professional experience and reflect solely their own views. They do not represent the official position of Embraer.”
ABOUT EMBRAER
Embraer is one of the world’s largest aerospace conglomerates and a leader in the market segments in which it operates, with revenues of approximately US$7.6 billion in 2025.
The company operates through an integrated model encompassing the development, production, and support of commercial, executive, defense, and agricultural aircraft, while also investing in new technologies aimed at advancing air mobility. It is also active in other sectors, such as radar systems and frigates. Internationally recognized for its engineering capabilities and innovation, the company has built a strong presence across multiple aviation segments, combining products, services, and solutions that serve commercial, governmental, and private customers.
Its operations are organized into complementary business units that contribute to the diversity of its activities.
As of 2026, Embraer is divided into the following business units: Commercial Aviation, Executive Aviation, Defense, and Services & Support. The company has delivered more than 9,000 aircraft to customers in over 100 countries.
In commercial aviation, the company specializes in mid-sized aircraft, primarily designed for regional and lower-density routes. This positioning enables airlines to operate more efficiently by matching capacity to demand and optimizing costs. This segment plays a particularly important role in regional connectivity, linking cities that cannot support larger aircraft.
In executive aviation, Embraer holds a prominent position in the global market, offering aircraft that serve everyone from individual customers to large corporations. Its portfolio covers different jet categories, emphasizing performance, comfort, and technology. This segment is characterized by a premium customer experience and clients who value reliability and innovation.
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Editor’s note: This case study was the result of project management maturity research by Professor Darci Prado, who coordinated the submittal of this case study. Dr. Prado’s long-term research program on this subject has been conducted in Brazil and other countries over many years. Darci is the creator of the Prado Project Management Maturity Model, which has been successfully implemented by numerous organizations in Brazil. More details about the model and the research can be found at https://maturityresearch.com/en/home/
How to cite this work: de Abreu, J. C. G., da Costa, T. F., Messias, F. M. (2026). Case: Embraer Commercial Aviation; Maturity Evolution in Benchmark Organizations. Lessons Learned from the PMMM Research. PM World Journal, Vol. XV, Issue IX, September 2026. Available online at https://pmworldjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/pmwj168-Sep2026-Embraer-Commercial-Aviation-case-study.pdf
About the authors
Tamires Françoso da Costa
Jacarei, Brazil
Tamires Françoso da Costa is a Program Administrator at Embraer, working in Commercial Aviation with a focus on investment portfolio management, project governance, and the evolution of organizational maturity. She has experience in implementing management methods, structuring performance indicators, and leading continuous improvement initiatives, including the application of Lean Assessment and maturity models such as Darci Prado. She holds a degree in Industrial Mechanical Engineering, postgraduate degree in Business Management, has an MBA in Project Management, and is interested in developing excellence practices in program management, cross-functional integration, and strengthening data-driven decision-making. She lives in Jacareí (SP) Brazil. Email: tamires.costa@embraer.com.br.
Júlio César Gomes de Abreu
São Paulo, Brazil
Júlio César Gomes de Abreu is a Program Administrator at Embraer, working within the Commercial Aviation PMO organization. He has 40 years of experience in Project and Program Management. Throughout his career, he has contributed to the development of Air Traffic Control Systems, Avionics, Satellites, Supercomputers, Computer Networks, and Naval Systems.
He has been with Embraer for 25 years and has participated in the development of aircraft programs across the Defense & Security, Executive Aviation, and Commercial Aviation business units. In addition to project execution, he is actively involved in process improvement, people development, and knowledge sharing both inside and outside the company, participating in conferences, presentations, training programs, and mentoring initiatives.
He holds a degree in Electrical Engineering with a specialization in Electronics and an MBA in Business Management. He lives in São Paulo (SP) Brazil. E-mail: julio.abreu@embraer.com.br
Fábio Marcelo Messias
São José dos Campos, Brazil
Fábio Marcelo Messias is a professional with more than 20 years of experience in the aerospace industry, having worked in business development, product development, project management, and program management roles. He holds a degree in Industrial Engineering and is certified in PRINCE2 Foundation, PRINCE2 Practitioner, Scrum-SFC, and Six Sigma Black Belt. Currently, he serves as a Program Administrator within Embraer’s Commercial Aviation Business Unit. He lives in São José dos Campos (SP) Brazil. E-mail: fabio.messias@embraer.com.br
