Guest speaker Spulak reviewed the evolution of Embraer over the past fifty years, the advances in jets and their components seen during that time and shared his insights about the future of aviation and the industry to a group of Vaughn students, faculty and staff. Following a welcome from Vaughn College President Dr. Sharon B. DeVivo, Spulak detailed company plans and strategies including joint partnerships, efficient energy management systems, biofuels and safety, supply chain optimization and the production and maintenance of secure aircraft that operate in high density areas.

He gained the crowd’s interest by elaborating on recent advancements in eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) aircraft and how this can lead to a future with autonomous operation with partners like Uber. When commenting on future employment opportunities, he noted: “The majority of our planning is invested in engineering and robotics,” said Spulak. “Vaughn students and your peers that are graduating in a similar field are in a good position to join Embraer,” said Spulak.

Embraer is one of the world’s leading aircraft manufacturers, and boasts the broadest portfolio of business jets in the market. Their roster of world-class aircraft includes the entry-level Phenom 100 and trailblazing Phenom 300 light jet, the revolutionary midsize Legacy 500 and mid-light Legacy 450 jets, the large Legacy 650E, and the ultra-large Lineage 1000E. Embraer’s global business jet fleet exceeds 1,100 aircraft, which are in operation in more than 70 countries and all supported by the world’s No. 1-ranked product support team of more than 70 owned and authorized service centers.

He ended his presentation by noting that “Technology drives the world.” “Be proud to be a part of a unique and different industry that encompasses boldness and passion and is breaking ground and changing the world everyday with new technology.”