Embraer earlier this month announced it plans to enter the market for jets both lighter and smaller than its large-cabin Legacy offering with models designed for the “very light” and “light” categories. Embraer is committed to making long-term investments in this business to offer revolutionary products and completely integrated solutions to a sophisticated customer base. Our goal is to build a robust business aviation unit and a global infrastructure to support it, said Lus Carlos Affonso, senior vice-president for the corporate aviation market. Few details were made available in the company’s announcement but Embraer, which also markets the highly successful EMB-135/145/170 regional jets and small airliner, said both aircraft will be designed for “single-pilot operation and an easy transition for less experienced pilots.” Embraers very light jet is planned to carry up to eight people and be powered by Pratt & Whitney Canadas PW617F engine, with 1615 pounds of thrust. Its range will be 1160 nm with four people aboard and it will have a maximum operating speed of Mach 0.7. The very light jet is expected to enter service in mid-2008 and will be priced at $2.75 million in 2005 dollars. The light jet will be powered by P&WCs PW535E engine, with 3200 pounds of thrust. The Embraer LJ will accommodate up to nine people; its range with six aboard will be 1800 nm and it will have a maximum operating speed of Mach 0.78. The light jet is expected to enter service in mid-2009 and be priced at 6.65 million in 2005 dollars.
