Program Was Launched At Farnborough 2000
In less than five years, Embraer's Legacy business jet has
accumulated quite a legacy. On Thursday, Embraer delivered the
100th Legacy to ABS Jets, during a ceremony held at the
Company’s headquarters in São José dos Campos,
Brazil.
This marks a significant milestone in Embraer’s first
business jet program, which was launched at the Farnborough Air
Show in 2000. The 100th Legacy is the third to be delivered to ABS
Jets and the fourth to the Czech Republic.
"We are especially proud to receive this aircraft," said Marian
Jancarik, Managing Director of ABS Jets. "This is further proof of
our confidence in a great product, two of which are already in
operation with ABS Jets. The Legacy is the ideal tool for
operations in Europe. Out of our Prague base, we can serve all
European countries, without exception, and can even fly nonstop to
most of the countries in the Middle East. Our customers appreciate
the cabin size and high level of comfort of the Legacy."
Touting the largest cabin in the midsized business jet class,
the Legacy 600 has been certified by the Brazilian, US, European
Union, Russian, and Indonesian authorities, including additional
approvals to take off and land in the London City and Cannes
airports. The aircraft entered service in 2002.
"We see the delivery of the 100th Legacy as a confirmation of
the remarkable acceptance that the jet has enjoyed, building a
13.6% market share in just five years," said Luís Carlos
Affonso, Embraer Executive Vice-President, Executive Jets. "This
achievement is a testament to Embraer’s commitment to
customers by delivering outstanding aircraft with ample space and
premium comfort for a unique travel experience."
Legacy 600s are flown by
private owners, corporations and governments from 19 countries.
Embraer says deliveries have greatly increased over the last few
years, from 13 in 2004 to 20 in 2005, and up to 27 in 2006.
Forecasts for 2007 and 2008 are in the range of 25-30 planes.
Embraer is investing over US$ 100 million to enhance the
customer support for its portfolio of executive jets. Three new
service centers will be built in the U.S. and another one at Le
Bourget airport, in Paris, France. By mid-2008, the Company’s
customer support network is expected to consist of seven
wholly-owned and 38 authorized service centers in all regions of
the world.