AVIATION
AVIONICS MEETS BOSSA NOVA
Embraer Executive Jets introduced a whole new line of long-range jets evolving from their Legacy series. The Praetor 500 and 600 are well named for their intended purpose- leader in speed and range.
TRICIA DREVETS
“We are focused on our 50 years of ‘disruptive’ aircraft technology,” says Michael Amalfitano, President and CEO of Embraer Executive Jets. “And one of the things that our company has created is the opportunity to lead the way in this field. When you look at the word praetor, whose origin comes from a Latin base and has meant - since ancient Roman Empire days - to be a leader or to lead the way. So today, our Praetor jets still lead the way in terms of a mid-sized and super-mid-sized class aircraft."
The key performance improvement for the Praetor 500 is longer coast-to-coast range at 3,250 nautical miles. The Praetor 600 does even better, thanks to more powerful engines and a fuel capacity increase. With this additional fuel capacity, the Praetor 600 can fly a distance of 3,900 nautical miles.
The main physical changes in looks are the Praetor 500’s new winglets. “London to New York. Every day. No matter what the weather. That’s a powerful statement when it comes to the mid-size characteristics of the aircraft, and nothing else comes close at this price point,” says Amalfitano.
Technology and the quality of power in both the cockpit and the cabin, further distinguish the Praetor jets from their historic lineage and their competition. These improvements include turbulence reduction technology, and a lower cabin altitude.
“We are very proud of the fact that this company has put so much into the avionics platform,” continues Amalfitano. “When you have best in class range with active turbulence reduction allowing for a much smoother flight, and combined with the characteristics of the cabin that allows you to have a 5,800 ft. cabin altitude, you’re surely to feel much more relaxed, less fatigued.”
Finally, style is critical. Both the Praetor 500 and 600 that Embraer brought to the 2018 air show demonstrate how the interiors can be customized.
“We’re introducing for the first time, the preeminent interior package called the Bossa Nova,” notes Jay Beever, Embraer’s Vice President of Interior Design.
“What we decided on the Bossa Nova edition of the Praetor 600, was to implement carbon fiber surfaces -- genuine carbon fiber that you would find on a race car – for our table top surfaces, bulkheads, cabinetry – but we stepped further combining surfaces with piano-like black lacquer similar to the grand pianos playing Bossa Nova music on famous beaches. Also, jet-black plating with the Ipanema-styled seats are a high-end custom feature.
All comes together as the Bossa Nova edition, because it celebrates all that is new. Bossa Nova when translated means ‘new trend’ or ‘new wave’. That’s what the musical statement is still, and when we listen to the music, we want to identify with James Bond in a DB5 in Rio meeting the Girl from Ipanema. That’s just the way it works.”
Prices start at $17M and $21M for the Praetor 500 and 600, respectively. For more information, please visit executive.embraer.com