Why? Because Blue-Bloods Buy Bizjets, That's Why

Brazilian planemaker Embraer tells ANN it is participating in the 2007 Audi Equestrian Masters, in Brussels, Belgium, October 10-14, at the former maritime Tour & Taxis station. A full-scale mock-up of the company’s Phenom 300 executive jet is on display at the five-day event, and may be visited by participants and attendees.

"It is a great honor for Embraer to be associated with the Audi Equestrian Masters," said Colin Steven, Embraer Vice President Marketing and Sales – Europe, Africa and the Middle East, Executive Aviation. "This competition has gained a worldwide reputation for excellence and performance, which are also characteristics of our executive jets."

Indeed, this isn't the first time the planemaker has appealed to moneyed equestrian owners. As ANN reported in March, Embraer also displayed the mock-up during the 2007 Winter Equestrian Festival in Florida.

The International Jumping of Brussels was reborn, in 2004, as the Audi Equestrian Masters. Under the direction of the legendary horseman Nelson Pessoa and his son, Olympic gold medalist Rodrigo Pessoa, the event has become one of the leading gatherings on the international equestrian calendar and one of Belgium’s major annual sports competitions. Embraer is Rodrigo Pessoa’s official sponsor and one of the show’s partners.

Embraer is also sponsoring the Class 16, Gold League, Table A, 1.50 meter, which will take place on Saturday, October 13. Prizes for the three best riders will be awarded on Saturday evening by Steven.

More than 30,000 people attended last year’s Audi Equestrian Masters. This year, 460 horses and 132 riders, among the best in the world, are participating in the competition.

Looking to make a sizable dent in the emerging light-jet marketplace, over the past year Embraer has exhibited the Phenom 300 at most general aviation trade shows and events, including AirVenture 2007 and the recently-concluded AOPA Expo. The planemaker also showed its wares at several sporting events.

FMI: www.embraerexecutivejets.com, www.audi-equestrianmasters.com