Embraer is ramping up production and deliveries of its Legacy business jet this year by 50% as it seeks to work off a backlog of 74 orders. The Brazilian manufacturer also holds options for 92 aircraft.
Sam Hill, vice chairman of the company's US subsidiary, Embraer Aircraft Holdings, says the Legacy Shuttle accounts for just under half of the type's orders. Six of the 18 aircraft being delivered this year will be 37-seat Shuttle versions and the remainder Executive variants of the super mid-size business jet.
"There is a growing market for the Legacy Shuttle, particularly in Europe where more companies have begun to consider the shuttle concept as an alternative to airline travel," says Hill. Europe has seen five 13- and 14-seat executive versions delivered to date, three more aircraft than expected at this stage of the programme, Hill says.
Embraer is to shortly receive approval for an improved take-off version of the Legacy. This will open up the corporate market for the company by allowing operators access to sought-after airports with short runways. Embraer is due to receive approval in the fourth quarter to operate at London City Airport.
Source: Flight International
