Embraer's chief executive has revealed an aspiration to enter the markets for ultra-long-range and very-large-cabin business jets.
"We have no firm commitment to launch such a programme, but it's clearly in our long-term vision," says Frederico Curado.
The strategy would close a key gap in a comparatively young product line-up. Since 2001, Embraer has launched seven business jets ranging from the entry-level Phenom 100 to the super-large Lineage 1000 - a record Curado describes as a "hell of an achievement".
But the portfolio lacks products for the two most lucrative sectors of the market. Embraer is focused on achieving airworthiness certification for the Legacy 650. But, after the Legacy 500 is certificated in 2014, the Brazilian manufacturer could launch its push into sectors dominated by Bombardier, Dassault and Gulfstream. "We have this in our outlook," Curado says, "but we have no date."
Source: Flight International
