Like its earlier regional jets, the ERJ-135 and the -145, the newly-launched Embraer ECJ-135 Legacy business jet is to be powered by Rolls-Royce AE3007-A1 engines. Already in the business jet market aboard the Cessna Citation X, the engines are built principally at the British group's main U.S. plant in Indianapolis.

The launch order for the Legacy from Swift Aviation Services of Arizona for 25 aircraft with options on a further 25 will be worth at least $160 million in new business to Rolls-Royce, says Carmen Lloyd, Rolls president for corporate and regional airlines.
The AE-series of engines has now logged in excess of 2.5 million hours, Lloyd said. At the same time he disclosed the signing of a $103 million power-by-the-hour service agreement with Executive Jet Aviation/NetJets, the world's largest operator of business aircraft, for the engine maintenance of the company's large fleet of Citation Xs.

Even-increasing involvement in the maintenance and servicing of its products in the field is a theme stressed by Rolls this year as its international network of repair bases continues to grow. The company says it won more than 100 repair and overhaul contracts last year.

By Bob Rodwell