Expands Service Network Into U.S. Midwestern States, Canada, China

Embraer unveiled a new paint scheme for the Legacy 500 at NBAA this week while highlighting advancements in their Legacy 450/500 development. The unconventional scheme is meant to highlight the development of the 500 from concept to reality. The Legacy series, which will operate via fly-by-wire controls, has now completed over 8,000 hours of system tests on the road to certification. Three ready to fly prototypes of the Legacy 500 have been assembled, and the first flight test is expected this year.

Ernie Edwards, President of Embraer Executive Jets, emphasized Embraer’s goal of being a major player in the business jet market by 2015. “We really do feel that we are ahead of our target goals,” said Edwards. With facilities in Brazil, Portugal, China, and the US, Embraer continues to expand. Their new facility in Melbourne, FL now has over 200 employees and over $50 million invested. The first Melbourne-assembled Phenom 300 is expected to leave the assembly plant in the second quarter of 2013.

To further customer support efforts, Embraer has created a new regional distribution center in Las Vegas operated by UPS. In addition, Embraer has developed mobile response units to provide line maintenance, troubleshooting, and part changes throughout the country.

Embraer is also fostering a service network for Legacy 500 aircraft, with 17 service centers signing letters of intent. Expanding the service network for the current fleet, Embraer announced four new service centers at the show, including Aurora in Edmonton, Canada, Comlux in Indianapolis, IN, Flight Check in Chicago, IL, and Stevens Aviation in Broomfield, CO. During their press conference at NBAA Embraer finalized an agreement with ExecuJet Haite to provide a new service center in China, with operations starting in early 2013.

FMI: www.embraer.com/en-US/