Akaer signs contract with Radia to help design the cabin of world’s largest aircraft

Akaer, a Brazilian leader in aerospace and defense innovation, has been selected to develop the pressurized cabin for the world’s largest cargo aircraft, the WindRunner™.

“It’s an honor to be part of a project that will undoubtedly become a milestone in the history of global aviation,” said Cesar Silva, CEO of Akaer. “The WindRunner’s development presents a bold and complex challenge, and our involvement reflects the recognition of the technical excellence and expertise we’ve cultivated over decades.”

“We’re proud to collaborate with world-class partners like Akaer, who share our vision for the future and are helping us shape a new era of sustainable, integrated logistics,” said Mark Lundstrom, Founder and CEO of Radia.

Cesar Silva, CEO of Akaer, and Mark Lundstrom, Founder and CEO of Radia, during the contract signing at the Paris Air Show / Image courtesy of Akaer

The Project

The aircraft’s pressurized cockpit (Cabin Pressure Vessel) is designed to provide a secure and controlled environment for both crew members and critical onboard systems throughout flight operations.

Development of the project and will be carried out at Akaer’s facility in São José dos Campos, Brazil.

The World’s Largest Cargo Aircraft

Developed by Radia, the WindRunner is a groundbreaking aircraft engineered to support high-impact missions across energy, defense, aerospace, and disaster response sectors. Featuring the largest cargo volume ever designed for an aircraft, an impressive 7,700 m³, and capable of carrying payloads up to 80 tons, the WindRunner redefines the boundaries of global air mobility.

Built for autonomy, it can take off and land on unpaved runways as short as 1,800 meters, eliminating the need for specialized airport infrastructure. This enables seamless point-to-point deliveries to remote and hard-to-reach regions around the world.

With unmatched capacity and versatility, the WindRunner revolutionizes heavy-lift logistics—capable of transporting wind turbine blades over 100 meters long, satellites, armored vehicles, and other oversized cargo while significantly reducing transportation costs and delivery timelines.

About Akaer

With over 33 years of experience, Akaer has built a legacy of excellence in aerospace engineering, amassing a portfolio of more than 10 million engineering hours and contributing to over 50 high-profile global aerospace programs.

The company has played a pivotal role in the development of Embraer’s C-390 Millennium military transport aircraft, the Gripen E fighter in collaboration with Saab, and the supersonic Hürjet jet developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries.

In 2024, Akaer reached a historic milestone by becoming the first Brazilian company to be recognized as a Tier 1 Global Supplier, through the contract signed with Deutsche Aircraft, solidifying its reputation as a world-class leader in aerostructures manufacturing and aerospace innovation.