[2] In 1975, Embraer began development of a family of three derivatives of its Bandeirante airliner, all of which were to feature a pressurised fuselage and T-tail.

[4][5] The prototype Xingu, registration PP-ZXI, flew for the first time from Embraer's São Paulo factory on 10 October 1976.

[6] The first production aircraft made its maiden flight on 20 May 1977, and was exhibited at that year's Paris Air Show.

The new version, which was intended to be better suited to the US market, was powered by two 850 shp (630 kW) PT5A-42 engines, and had more fuel, increasing the aircraft's range.

[8] The Xingu II, meanwhile, first flew on 4 September 1981, and was powered by two 750 shp (560 kW) PT6A-135 engines, giving increased performance.

A total of 41 aircraft were purchased, 25 for the French Air Force and 16 for the Navy, with deliveries completed by the end of 1983.