Embraer Sells Five Exec Jets to India …
Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica (Embraer) announced on Sept. 19 that it had signed a contract to sell India’s government five of its midsize twin-engine Legacy executive jets. The Mach .80 aircraft, which will total about $158 million, will be used to transport the country’s top brass and dignitaries. Four of the Legacy jets, which boast a range of 3,250 nm, will be used to replace aging Avro aircraft in the Indian air force’s VIP fleet operated by the Air HQ Communication Squadron of the Indian Air Force. India’s Border Security Force will use the fifth. All five aircraft will be specially configured for authorities and government officials’ transportation. The jets will feature 14 seats, two separate compartments for senior authorities and their staff, and will be fitted with special self-protection suites.
… And London City Joins The Club
Speaking of the VIP treatment, the world’s first members-only airline, Club Airways of Switzerland, opened a new link with London City Airport on Sept. 22, flying top executives from Geneva on board a Cessna Citation II jet. This latest addition to the Club Airways schedule is operating between the private aviation terminal at Geneva Airport, Switzerland, and the Jet Centre at London City Airport. Club Airways has been operational since February and now has more than 450 members. The airline’s schedule is currently two flights each weekday between Geneva and Paris and two between Geneva and London. Flights to Basel, Milan, Munich and Moscow will be added during October and November this year.
