Embraer forecasts demand for 650 business aircraft by 2022, with China expected to "generate great opportunities over this period", it says. The delivery tally amounts to around $24 billion, representing 9% of the world shipments' value, says the Brazilian airframer's report.
"China is a rapidly growing global executive aviation market with its economic development, the gradual opening of low-altitude airspace and the continuous improvement of its aviation infrastructure," says Ernest Edwards, president, Embraer Executive Jets.
"The country's business aviation culture is gaining maturity. Executive jet are recognised more and more as tools for improving productivity for business elites. Today, the country has a fleet of 267 executive jets, 77% of which are super mid-size to ultra large jets, up from only 78 jets in 2007."
In June Embraer established a venture with China's state-owned Aviation Industry Corporation to manufacture the Legacy 650 in China for the indigenous market. The joint venture, Harbin Embraer Aircraft Industry, will convert its assembly line in Harbin, where it assembled the ERJ145 regional jet from 2002 to 2011, into a Legacy 650 facility by 2013. Initial production of around six aircraft a year is planned, although the plant will have a maximum capacity of 20 aircraft.
Embraer has secured orders for 28 business jets for Chinese customers and options for five more.
Source: Flight International
