Embraer has brought its ERJ-135-based Legacy 600 to Asian Aerospace for the first time. The company is zoning in on the Asian market as business travel expands throughout the region.
The first Legacy 600 for Asia arrived in 2004 and is based in Macau. According to company forecasts, China and a number of other Asian countries present the largest growth potential for corporate aviation in the world. India is a fast-expanding market for all aircraft and there are five Legacy 600s operating across the country transporting government officials.
Indonesia is showing a great deal of interest in the 600 as its political and economic climate stabilises and two new deliveries are already scheduled there for 2006.
Although there are no sales yet in China, the large-cabin, medium-range business jet is likely to appeal for flights across the country just has it has in the Middle East. With a range of 6,000km (3,245nm), the 600 has strong short-field capabilities and can fly 16 passengers in three distinct seating areas. Another factor likely to appeal is its relatively quick availability.
Thanks to robust sales of the Legacy and Phenom ranges in the Asian region Embraer recently boosted its business jet team at its European headquarters in Paris by six staff to cope with anticipated demand.
Source: Flight Daily News
