São José dos Campos, May 17, 2011 – Embraer and Comlux The Aviation Group announced, today, a contract for the acquisition of three large Legacy 650 executive jets for the Fly Comlux Division, in Kazakhstan. The agreement was revealed at the 11th Annual European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition, EBACE 2011 in Geneva, Switzerland, and includes options for another four aircraft. The total value of the deal, at list price, comes to USD 90.7 million, and could reach USD 211.7 million, if all options are confirmed. The first delivery is scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2011.
“This new partnership is a gratifying achievement for Embraer, and we are very honored to have been selected by Comlux, a company recognized worldwide for its excellence and the quality of its services to business aviation customers,” said Colin Steven, Embraer Vice President, Marketing and Sales, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa – Executive Jets. “This is also a strong endorsement of our new long-range, large cabin Legacy 650 executive jet, which offers a maximum range of 3,900 nautical miles (7,223 kilometers) with its three cabin zones and the largest baggage compartment in its class.”
The aircraft will be available for charter, offering Comlux passengers a new product for their travel needs. The Legacy 650 is a derivative of the successful Legacy 600 super midsize, nearly 200 of which have been delivered to customers, worldwide. It will enable Comlux to fly up to 13 passengers in a comfortable, functional and elegant interior with three distinct cabin zones and a spacious galley, as well as the largest in-flight accessible baggage compartment of its category.
The two companies also agreed to cooperate in opening a service center for the Legacy 650 in Almaty, Kazakhstan, to support the Central Asia market. The Legacy 650 extended-range aircraft is one of the largest executive jets able to operate in restricted airports such as London City (U.K.) or Cannes-Mandelieu (France). The new Honeywell Primus Elite™ avionics suite provides enhanced functions to reduce crew workload and optimize the aircraft’s flight profile. Also equipped with the FANS/CPDLC (Future Air Navigation System – Controller Pilot Datalink Communication) function, the Legacy 650 flight deck conforms to the latest technologies for improved situational awareness, while ensuring outstanding operational flexibility in congested airspace, terrain-challenged airports and adverse weather conditions.
“The development of our fleet is always a strategic decision, and for each and every new aircraft joining the fleet, market demand and customer satisfaction are our main objectives,” said Richard Gaona President of Comlux The Aviation Group. “With the arrival of the Legacy 650, we will better serve our customers in the large executive jets segment with an aircraft which combines luxury, comfort, innovation and operating efficiency.”
About Comlux The Aviation Group
Comlux The Aviation Group is one of the leaders in VIP charter services operating worldwide. Beyond charter operations, Comlux offers a comprehensive set of services to VIP customers who wish to have their own aircraft managed personally and professionally. This includes exclusive aircraft management, sales and acquisitions, cabin design and completion, as well as maintenance and engineering services. The group employs 545 employees from 27 different nationalities, shared between headquarters in Switzerland (Zurich), three operational centers with Air Operator Certificate (AOC) in Switzerland, Malta (EU-OPS) and Kazakhstan, four commercial offices in Zurich, Moscow, Almaty, and Bahrain, and a completion and maintenance center in Indianapolis, Indiana (U.S.). More information is available at www.comluxaviation.com
