The first Chinese-built Embraer Legacy 650 took to the skies for the first time on 26 August.
The 2h 30min flight aimed to assess the aircraft's handling and performance characteristics, ahead of its delivery to a China-based owner later this year.
The large-cabin business jet was assembled by Harbin Embraer Aircraft Industry (HEAI) - a joint venture between Embraer and Harbin's parent company, Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC).
Harbin previously manufactured EMB-145 regional jets, upon which the Legacy 650 is based.
"The successful maiden flight of HEAI's first Legacy 650 marks an important milestone not only in the Embraer-Avic partnership, but also in the history of the Chinese executive aviation industry, as the jet is also the first large executive jet assembled by a joint venture in China," says Embraer China president Guan Dongyuan.
All Rolls-Royce AE 3007/A1P-powered Legacy 650s produced by HEAI are destined for the Chinese market, where more than 20 firm orders and five options have so far been chalked up for the ten-seat, twin-engined type.
Source: Flight International
