São Paulo – Embraer announced on Sunday (13) the sale of the first unit of the Legacy 650 jet to company FAL Aviations, a subsidiary of FAL Group, from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The aircraft is an evolution of the 650 model and has the greatest flight autonomy. According to the marketing director at Embraer for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, Colin Steven, the aircraft already flies in other Arab countries, but not in Saudi Arabia.
"Following on from the type’s introduction in Jordan and the United Arab Emirates, this first Legacy 650 into Saudi Arabia is a clear endorsement of the market acceptance for our aircraft in the region", said Steven. He also added that the technology employed in the aircraft and the performance it offers are adjusted to the needs of the Middle East.
This aircraft started operating in 2010 and is capable of transporting four passengers on non-stop flights on routes like Moscow – Beijing or London – New Delhi. The flight autonomy is 7,223 kilometres and noise levels are lower than in other versions, according to the producer, thanks to a “state-of-the-art sound insulation package”.
The value of the deal was not disclosed. The company owner, sheikh Fahad al Athel stated that the aircraft should supply the company’s demand in greater distances than those already covered by the Legacy 600, a version prior to the 650 and one which FAL Aviations has been operating since 2003.
The Legacy 600 has autonomy for 6,290 kilometres, almost 1,000 kilometres less than the 650 when occupied by four passengers. According to Athel, the aircraft "will grant our clients as fast and pleasant trips as possible.”
The sale was announced during the 12th European Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition, promoted in Geneva, Switzerland, in which Embraer participated.
*Translated by Mark Ament
