LARGE ORDERS FOR EMBRAER
AS THE 2016 EDITION
of the European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE 2016) drew to a close, organisers said the show continues to demonstrate its standing as Europe’s foremost business aviation event. EBACE 2016 jointly hosted by the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) and the European Business Aviation Association (EBAA), featured over 450 exhibitors, representing more than 40 countries. The sold-out static display of aircraft featured 60 aircraft, some were new to the event or were making a first show debut at EBACE. The footprint for the show was the largest to date. EBACE 2016 attendees came from over 100 countries, from the European region and beyond.
“By the numbers, this has been an enormously successful EBACE,” said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen, “Our static display is completely sold out, the exhibit footprint is our largest ever, we have over 450 exhibitors and we have over 400 reporters covering over 20 press conferences.” Ed Bolen added: “EBACE exhibitors and attendees repeatedly told us that the show continues to be a must-attend on the industry calendar. Additionally, EBACE once again highlighted the size and significance of business aviation in Europe and around the world.”
EBAA CEO Fabio Gamba agreed, “You can really feel that people are here to do business. They are actually looking at the show as the premier place to do business.” EBACE returns to Geneva, Switzerland, next year from May 22 to 24. “This year’s show was a terrific success, characterised by a full exhibit floor with lots of business getting done. It’s an affirmation that EBACE remains Europe’s most important industry event.” Aviation Administration (FAA) and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) are expected by midyear with service entry by late summer. The three jets which are in the flight test programme have logged over 650 hours in 325 flights. Embraer Executive Jets announced during a press conference at EBACE that Across, Mexico’s premium business aviation services provider, signed a firm order for 23 business jets. The contract comprises the purchase of eight Legacy 500, eight Phenom 300 and seven Phenom 100E jets with an estimated value of over $260 million at current list price. The firm order was included in the company’s backlog of the first quarter and the first deliveries have already begun.
“This fleet order reflects our growing presence in Mexico and confirms the long-term relationship we are building with Across,” said Marco Tulio Pellegrini, President & CEO, Embraer Executive Jets. “The Mexican market has a solid business aviation utilisation culture and Embraer Executive Jets’ portfolio is perfectly suited to fulfil the increasing demand for more efficient and reliable aircraft in the region. We are glad to support Across in expanding its best-in-class services.”
Embraer Executive Jets and the Germany-based business charter operator Air Hamburg have signed a purchase agreement for yet another Legacy 650. The delivery of this aircraft is scheduled for the third quarter of 2016. This new acquisition brings to nine the total of Embraer business jets in Air Hamburg’s fleet, currently comprised of seven Legacy 600/650 and one Phenom 300, which serve its customers’ travels to European, Russian and Middle Eastern destinations.