Embraer’s Praetor 600 is leading the way for super midsize jets
Embraer’s Praetor 600 is leading the way for super midsize jets
Embraer delivered its first Praetor 600 business jet in June 2019, just six months after the jet’s announcement and public debut at NBAA-BACE. A clean-sheet design, the Praetor 600 is marketed as a “super midsize” jet that has a maximum range of 4,018nm (plus NBAA IFR reserves) at long-range cruise, with four passengers and two crewmembers.
With a maximum cruise speed of Mach 0.83, passengers will zip along at a speed similar to most commercial aircraft. However, the Praetor 600 has a service ceiling of FL450 (45,000ft), which helps climb above most weather, while also travelling thousands of feet higher than commercial aircraft. This translates into faster trips, owing to a lack of competition
for airspace with commercial aircraft.
The Praetor 600 holds its own when it comes to its passenger cabin. Upon boarding, experienced business jet passengers will quickly appreciate the silk-carpeted flat floor and generous six-foot cabin ceiling, which allows many passengers to stand upright.
The Embraer interior design team has succeeded at delivering an exceptionally beautiful fit and finish. This is clearly evident in the craftsmanship of the Bossa Nova interior featuring carbon fibre materials, piano-black colouring, and stitching said to be inspired by the famous sidewalks of Ipanema Beach in Rio de Janeiro.
Given the Praetor’s likely use on intercontinental routes, such as Dubai to London, Embraer smartly incorporated
a stone-floored galley that is suitable for preparing full meals with microwave, convection oven, refrigerator and coffee brewer. The Praetor even includes fine china and crystal to elevate the dining experience.
The Praetor 600 features a rear lownoise vacuum lavatory that also serves as an official seat for taxi, takeoff and landing operations. The rear lavatory enables access to the baggage hold that allows passengers to minimise belongings in the cabin, but can still retrieve them during flight if required.
Passengers can expect to arrive at their destination feeling fresh and alert owing to the Praetor 600’s equivalent cabin altitude of 5,800ft. Even when passengers are cruising at FL450, the cabin will have an oxygen level on par with Denver.
Entertainment-wise, Embraer went with Honeywell Ovation™ Select Cabin Management Suite for 1080P HD video streaming and immersive audio. If passengers prefer to stay connected, the Gogo AVANCE L5 and Ka-band internet will provide home-like Wi-Fi performance.
Embraer uses the state-of-the-art avionics system Rockwell Collins Pro Line FusionÒ flight deck, which is full-featured, yet elegant in its simplicity.
Key safety features include a Head-up Display (HUD) for critical take-off and landing phases that enables pilots to look forward through the windshield, while viewing essential flight data. Synthetic Vision is supplemented by Enhanced Vision, which leverages infrared cameras to “see through” darkness and fog, so as to bring attention to otherwise hidden obstructions. A fly-by-wire control system helps dampen the effects of turbulence for a smoother ride.
Embraer has a reputation for reliability, so Praetor 600 customers are unlikely to require service beyond preventative maintenance. Nevertheless, Praetor 600 customers can rest assured that Embraer’s global network of 70 authorised service centres will help keep customers’ Praetor 600s in the air.
“We are confident that our customers will be fascinated with the most disruptive and technologically advanced super-midsize business jet to enter the market,” said Michael Amalfitano, President & CEO, Embraer Executive Jets. “The Praetor 600 is certain to create a new value experience for our customers and help them outperform in their business and personal endeavors.”
It is often said that one should lead, follow or get out of the way. With the Praetor 600, Embraer has decidedly chosen to lead.