EBACE: Legacy 500 makes first appearance outside of Brazil
Embraer's newest business jet – the Legacy 500 – made its first appearance outside of Brazil when it landed at Geneva airport to participate in EBACE, Europe's major business aviation event.
The aircraft - the first mid size business jet to operate with full fly-by-wire technology - is the third of the type to join the test programme which has now passed the 300 hour stage. A fourth aircraft is due to join the programme shortly.
The $20millon jet landed in Geneva on Saturday afternoon with Embraer Executive Jets president Ernie Edwards declaring it "a fantastic flight."
Edwards had joined the aircraft for its flight from North America across the Atlantic.
"There were no surprises. We engaged the autopilot for only the second time. It all worked perfectly,” Edwards said.
The final leg of the journey from St John Newfoundland to Geneva took six hours arriving with 25% fuel remaining.
The Legacy 500 is expected to be ready for certification and entry into service by mid-2014. It competes against tupes such as the Gulfstream 150, the Cessna Sovreign and the Hawker 950XP. It has a 3,000 mile range.