Company studies siblings for super mid-size business jet after launch of VLJ and LJ
Embraer is test-marketing six more business aircraft concepts to operators following last week's launch of its first all-new designs, a very light jet (VLJ) and light jet (LJ).
The new aircraft are part of the Brazilian manufacturer's plan to become a major player in business aviation within 10 years. Deliveries of the $2.75 million VLJ will begin in mid-2008, followed a year later by the $6.65 million LJ.
The two aircraft, which share a common cabin cross-section and cockpit, will be developed at a cost to Embraer of $235 million. The VLJ is powered by Pratt & Whitney Canada PW617Fs and the LJ by PW535/4s. Embraer is now looking at filling the gap between the VLJ and LJ and its existing Legacy super mid-size business jet, derived from its ERJ-135 regional jet.
"As a next move, we need to integrate the Legacy into a family," says Luis Carlos Affonso, senior vice-president, corporate aviation market. "The Legacy suffers from being an isolated product. We are looking above and below the Legacy for our next opportunity."
The VLJ and LJ are aimed at a forecast market for 3,000 very light, entry level and light jets over the next 10 years. The super mid-size sector is forecast at almost 1,500 aircraft, while the adjacent mid-size and large sectors are estimated at around 900-1,000 aircraft each.
While deliveries in the sectors covered by the VLJ and LJ are forecast to be worth a total of just under $750 million over the next 10 years, each of the mid-size, super mid-size and large sectors are valued at almost $30 billion.
GRAHAM WARWICK/WASHINGTON DC
Source: Flight International
