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Embraer Shows Legacy Business Jet, Has Taken Modular Interiors
Approach
Four years after program launch here, Brazil's Embraer is promoting
a new approach to completions of the €17.4 million ($21.5 million)
super midsize Legacy Executive business jet, emphasizing modular
componentry that can be arranged in dozens of different ways with
no need for recertification.
"It's a new manufacturing process of the same interior which
gives a lot of flexibility," says Fred
Curado, evp for civil aircraft.
"We have certified the modules," he says, which can be
positioned in 36 different flat-floor configurations. Components
like panels and cabinets are furnished by Duncan Aviation and Nordam
of the U.S., and Legacy jets are completed by Embraer itself in
São José dos Campos, Brazil.
Embraer's basic pitch for the Legacy is that buyers get a large-cabin
aircraft for about two-thirds the price they would pay for a comparably
sized competitor. Being able to place furnishings where desired
is seen as particularly important for an aircraft with a 42-foot
cabin.
Interior refinements include a redesigned valance panel, new seats,
and remodeled arm ledges. Standard equipment includes two DVD players,
two 15-inch LCD cabin display screens, Airshow 400 and Iridium satcom.
The galley can now handle hot and cold meals for 13 passengers.
Legacy's lavatory is larger and a second, forward lavatory may be
ordered. The aircraft features a class-leading, flight-accessible,
240-cubic-foot pressurized Class C baggage compartment.
The Legacy Shuttle, which seats up to 19 passengers with first
class-type seating or 37 when outfitted like coach, has a recessed
aisle allowing for more headroom.
Legacy has demonstrated operating costs as much as 30% lower than
those of comparable aircraft, Embraer says.
Another Legacy selling point is parts commonality with the ERJ
145 series, of which some 700 are in service.
Embraer unveiled a revised maintenance plan for Legacy in April,
reducing service stops to four per year, and shaving labor hours
by 18%. Legacy maintenance is available in Europe at Jet
Aviation in Biggin Hill and Düsseldorf, Hellenic Aerospace
in Athens, OGMA in Portugal and, most recently, RUAG in Switzerland.
The Legacy early this year won U.S. FAA and Brazilian CTA authorization
to operate at airports up to 8,500 feet above sea level.
Legacy's updated transponder software has been EASA-certified
according to CNS/ATM (Communication Navigation Surveillance/Air
Traffic Management) requirements well in advance of a March 2005
deadline. Embraer is further promoting the aircraft's drag
reduction improvements, and uprated, 7,953-pounds-thrust Rolls-Royce
AE3007-A1E turbofans.
Legacy deliveries stood at 37 in early July. Last year Legacy deliveries
rose nearly 63% over 2002. Embraer is at Chalet C33-36.
—Rich Piellisch
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'A Long-Term Player'
Embraer is well established in regional jets and special
missions and other military aircraft, and says it will stay
the course in business aircraft too.
The Legacy entered service in 2002 after the program was
announced at Farnborough 2000.
"We are a relatively new entrant in the market, but
we strongly believe in our ability to become a long-term player,"
says Fred Curado, evp for civil aircraft.
And while he sees Farnborough as a global event, he says
too that Europe is "a promising market for us,"
especially as Europe has a higher percentage of first-time
business aircraft buyers.
As for a "Legacy II," based perhaps
on the company's 170/190 line of regional jets? "Preliminary
conversations," Curado says.
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