Embraer’s ERJ 135 business jet derivative, the Legacy 600, on display on the static park, has been certified for Cannes Mandelieu airport and will be the largest cabin executive jet to operate to and from the airfield.
It is certified for a 5.5 degree steep approach, so the aircraft can also operate into London City airport. Priced at US$24.7m, the Legacy 600 has been a hit for the Brazilian manufacturer, which recently added extra space to its cabin. From 2008 the aircraft will feature a recessed aisle that follows the contours of the cabin seating and delivers an extra 50mm (2in) of headroom, giving it a stand-up cabin. Says Luis Carlos Affonso, vice president, executive aircraft: “This was not a simple modification. We had to redirect and relocate systems.”
Business jet sales last year accounted for 15.3% of total Embraer revenues. Production rate is 25-30 units per year and Embraer says the aircraft is selling well in Russia and the Middle East, and will shortly attain Russian and Indonesian certification. With 102 deliveries so far, the aircraft is offering serious opposition to its closest rivals, the Challenger 300, the Falcon 2000/2000EX and the G200.
Source: Flight Daily News
