Embraer has finally
started talking, publicly, about strengthening its position in
the business aviation market with new products and services --
including the first concrete details about their much-rumored VLJ.
This represents their first move to expand its product
portfolio is to complement the Legacy offering with jets for the
Very Light and Light categories.
Recently created, the Very Light Jet category is made up of
aircraft that carry 6 to 8 people or up to 10,000 pounds. The Light
segment, already established, is comprised of jets that commonly
transport up to 8 or 9 people.
The Company will offer a complete range of integrated service
solutions that will support the product portfolio expansion. In the
near future, Embraer will unveil these solutions that range from
sales to full-scale customer support.
“The Legacy has paved the way for Embraer to build a name
in the business aviation market. This has been an enriching
experience from which valuable lessons were learned. The accrued
knowledge will shape our entrance into the Very Light, Entry and
Light Jet segments, keeping Embraer at the forefront of product
development and innovation,” said Maurício Botelho,
Embraer President and CEO.
Introduction of Embraer
in the Very Light and Light categories was approved by
Embraer’s Board of Directors in April. The investment in the
new jets will total US$ 235 million. This program will be funded by
the partners, financial institutions and the Company’s own
cash generation. Based upon in-depth market assessments,
Embraer
has estimated demand for approximately 3,000 Very Light, Entry and
Light jets over the next decade.
This figure does not include the air taxi market. “Embraer
is committed to making long-term investments in this business to
offer revolutionary products and completely integrated solutions to
a sophisticated customer base. Our goal is to build a robust
business aviation unit and a global infrastructure to support
it,” said Luís Carlos Affonso, Senior Vice-President
for the Corporate Aviation Market.
The Very Light and Light Jets will be best-in-class. Premium
comfort, outstanding performance and low operating cost are key
design drivers for these jets. They will be designed for high
utilization and high availability. The pilot-friendly cockpit and
the docile flying qualities of the two new aircraft will enable
single-pilot operation and an easy transition for less experienced
pilots.
Embraer’s Very Light Jet (below) will carry up to eight
people and be powered by Pratt & Whitney Canada’s PW617F
engine, with 1,615 pounds of thrust. Its range will be 1,160
nautical miles (NBAA IFR reserves with 100 nm alternate) with four
people onboard and it will have a maximum operating speed of Mach
0.7. The airplane is designed for a
short takeoff distance and is capable of flying at 41,000 feet.
The Very Light Jet is expected to enter service in mid-2008 and
will be priced at $2.75 million in 2005 economic conditions. The
Light Jet will be powered by P&WC’s PW535E engine, with
3,200 pounds of thrust. Comfortably accommodating up to nine
people, the Light Jet’s range will be 1,800 nautical miles
(NBAA IFR reserves with 100 nm alternate) with six people onboard,
and it will have a maximum operating speed of Mach 0.78. The
airplane is also designed for a short takeoff distance and is
capable of flying at 45,000 feet. The Light Jet is expected to
enter service in mid-2009 and be priced at US$ 6.65 million in 2005
economic conditions.