Aircraft

The Ecuador government has selected the Embraer Legacy 600 for future presidential transport a year after the VIP procurement programme was launched.

The $28 million contract is expected to be signed early this month, with a further $2 million earmarked for logistics, spares and training support.

Although requests for proposals were issued to Gulfstream and Bombardier, only Embraer and ATR - the latter with its ATR 42-500 offered at $14 million - tendered bids late last year.

The super-mid-size Legacy 600 was favoured due to its range and speed, which were key requirements in the Ecuadorian programme.

With delivery tentatively scheduled for November, the Legacy will replace the remaining Ecuador air force Rockwell Sabreliners currently used as VIP transport.