Embraer will soon be able to reveal the identities of its latest three Legacy customers in Europe. It is understood that the recipients are all based in Eastern Europe and should receive their Legacies between now and the end of July.

The sales will take the Brazilian manufacturer’s Legacy count in Europe and the Middle East to 17. Excluding the three latest sales, the company has so far sold 36 Legacies worldwide.

Embraer senior vp for European, African and Middle East markets, Luiz Fuchs, says sales of the Legacy in Europe represent 15 to 20 per cent of the world market – with 14 aircraft sold in two years – but also cites the Middle East as a favourable area for further sales.

He told EBAN: “I think we have a pretty good chance in the Middle East because the price, range and performance of the aircraft in hot conditions are all very suitable for the region. Everyone who looks at it

there, seems to regard it in a very favourable light.”

In shuttle configuration, Fuchs says the aircraft has not been particularly successful in Europe so far. He reports that people have looked into the possibilities but are yet to sign on the dotted line.

“We’ve had some companies approach us, who are looking to transport 16 to 19 passengers for Zurich to Paris type shuttle services,” he said. “But they’ve been slow to take up the aircraft.

“For the short-term, I suspect this situation won’t change but longer-term we believe there are

good possibilities for the Legacy in shuttle configuration.”

Embraer’s Legacy has recently undergone a redesign of its interior. The aircraft now features three distinct cabin sections, each with a variety of seating configurations.

Fuchs says the company decided on this course of action because of both customer feedback and because it is always looking to improve its products.

“We can now offer a little bit more in the super midsize aircraft sector, for very competitive prices,” he said.

Finally, in light of much press speculation that Embraer is soon to announce the corporate version

of its Embraer 170 airliner, Fuchs was adamant that this was in fact not the case.

He said: “We’re always looking for opportunities and I think with the 170, we have a terrific aircraft for the 70-110 seat market. Admittedly, the aircraft would make a great corporate jet and even though we are

looking at these possibilities, it is not a short-term project.

“There are many other developments that Embraer is concentrating on right now and to say something affirmative about this project, is way too early.”