Business aviation manufacturers are investing in new products and facilities in anticipation of the hard-hit industry’s recovery.

Although business aviation is in the same deep economic trough that is inflicting so many sectors—marked by massive layoffs, slowed sales of new and used aircraft, and declines in operations—many airframe, engine, avionics and services companies are making heavy investments in preparation for the industry’s expected rebound.

Recent aircraft delivery forecasts from Honeywell, Bombardier, Embraer and Forecast International all indicate prosperity will return to the recession- and credit-battered market. However, they agree, the start of recovery is a year or more away.

While manufacturers and commercial operators have adjusted work levels accordingly, it was clear at last week’s National Business Aviation Assn. (NBAA) annual convention in Orlando, Fla., that preparations are under way to exploit that comeback with new aircraft and equipment.

Among the most active manufacturers in new airframe offerings is Embraer. Although it only entered the business jet market earlier in this decade, the Brazilian original equipment manufacturer (OEM) will have a lineup of seven different models, ranging from the entry-level Phenom 100 to the Lineage 1000, an executive version of its E190 airliner, when the uptick is expected in the 2011-12 time frame.

Its latest model, the Legacy 650, was a surprise revelation here. An iteration of its super midsize Legacy 600, the new model features a Primus Elite avionics suite, more powerful Rolls-Royce AE3007 A2 engines delivering 9,020 lb. thrust, and increased fuel capacity that gives it 3,900‑nm. range, 500 more than the earlier version. Two 650s have been flying since September, and Embraer says the $29.5-million fleet addition will enter customer service in the second half of 2010. The Legacy 600 will continue in production.

Meanwhile, the company is proceeding to develop its Phenom 300 light jet, which is expected to win certification late this year, and the midsize, $18.4-million Legacy 500 and $15.25-million Legacy 450, due to enter service in 2012 and 2013, respectively.

In addition, the company is constructing a second Phenom assembly plant in Melbourne, Fla., with first aircraft delivery from there set for late 2011. It will have a capacity to turn out eight aircraft per month.

Asked if his company’s robust plans may be overambitious for such strained times, Luis Carlos Affonso, who heads its Executive Jets division, explained that the two Phenoms and Legacy 650 are coming to market early enough to help balance the R&D investment required to bring the Legacy 450/500 to fruition.

For its part, Gulfstream Aerospace is about to begin flight tests on the new G250, a $24-million super midsize jet, as well as its new flagship, the $64.5-million G650, scheduled for customer delivery in 2011 and 2012, respectively.