German charter operator Air Hamburg has become the launch customer for the Embraer 650E, following an order, announced at the show today, for three of the large-cabin business jets.
The acquisition forms part of the Air Hamburg’s strategy to expand its fleet to exploit the growing demand for ad hoc charter in Europe. The first aircraft is scheduled for delivery in July and the remainder in November.
Air Hamburg is one the largest operators of Embraer business jets on the continent with a fleet of six Legacy 650s – the predecessor of the E-variant – two super-midsize Legacy 600s; one midsize Legacy 500; and three Phenom 300 light twins. Its line-up also includes10 Cessna Citation business jets and a Beechcraft King Air 200.
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Air Hamburg is also looking to add a long-range type to its fleet which will allow it to expand its offering to China, Singapore and South-east Asia.
Speaking at EBACE this morning, Air Hamburg partner Simon Ebert called the 650E “an obvious choice” for the operator. He says its 600/650s already provide an “unparalleled experience” for its customers on their flights to destinations throughout Europe, Russia, and the Middle East. “The new version of this proven platform best serves our growth plan by continuing to offer a premium charter service with the latest technologies onboard one of the industry’s most comfortable and reliable business jets.”
The Legacy 650E, with a range of 3,900nm (7,220km), was launched in November 2016 as the next iteration of the six-year old 650. The $26 million aircraft includes a host of features, including a synthetic vision system and autothrottle as standard, a restyled, three-zone interior with full HD in-flight entertainment, and an “unprecedented” 10-year or 10,000-flight-hour warranty.
Source: Flight International
