Spotlight falls on corporate market as manufacturer studies expansion options
Embraer is studying the "full range of aircraft", from very light to large jets, as it nears a decision on its next move in the business aviation market. The Brazilian manufacturer had earlier revealed it is studying a small air-taxi aircraft (Flight International, 18-24 May).
"Corporate aircraft are a natural growth area for us," says Embraer chief executive Mauricio Botelho. "We are analysing the full range of business aircraft possibilities. There is no decision; we are still studying and analysing the situation."
In addition to a very-light jet concept, the company is studying aircraft ranging from light to large business jets, Botelho says. Embraer already produces the Legacy, a version of its ERJ-135 regional jet that competes in the super mid-size business jet sector. The company has also looked at, but not yet launched, a corporate version of the Embraer 170 large regional jet.
"We entered the (business aviation) market three or four years ago with the Legacy, which was a low-risk programme for the customer and for Embraer," says Botelho. "The purpose of penetrating the market at low risk and cost was to learn about the business and its tricks. We learned a lot, and we are in a condition to progress," he says.
GRAHAM WARWICK / WASHINGTON DC
Source: Flight International
