Embraer Forecasts 2013 Delivery Rise

Embraer Legacy 500

Embraer is sticking to plans to ramp up business jet deliveries gradually in 2013 to between 105 and 120, including first deliveries of the Legacy 500. The delivery outlook released by the Brazilian manufacturer on 5 February predicts that 2013 will mark a minor turn-around for the business jet division.

JetSuite Expands Service To The Northeast

As previously reported, JetSuite is truly revolutionizing on-demand (and scheduled) private and business travel on small jets. The experienced Phenom operator has just recently expanded again, announcing service coverage in the Northeast  US. With this expansion, JetSuite now offer its services to hundreds of airports in major metropolitan areas such as New York, Washington D.C., Boston and Toronto.

The Guy with the Dragon Tattoo

OK, it is not really a tattoo, but Jackie Chan just got a brand new Legacy 650 private jet from Embraer with dragons emblazoned all over the airplane. Seriously? Having a sleek, new, state-of-the-art executive jet that can go roughly 4,000 miles on one tank of gas should be cool enough, but dragons? Jackie has always been THE MAN but he has just taken things to a whole new level...

Imagine flying this to the next Super Bowl!

The best part of the story is that Jackie was given the $30 million dollar airplane from the manufacturer in exchange for him promoting the Embraer brand in China and other global markets. So, there you have it - the action superstar turned private jet ambassador will now be using his charm to sell private jets for the world's third largest commercial aircraft manufacturer. (Boeing is still the largest with Airbus holding the number two spot.)

Why is this man smiling?

"This delivery is a moment of historical importance to Embraer because it solidifies an already long and successful relationship between China and Embraer," said Ernest Edwards, president of Embraer's Executive Jets unit.

By most accounts, this was a great move by Embraer - a company that is looking to dominate the private jet market, from entry-level to ultra-large aircraft. Hey, if I had $30 million collecting dust, I would certainly buy a Legacy 650. I mean, who could resist the charisma of such a huge cultural icon? If Jackie's pitch does not work, just make sure the prospect sees the tail of his sweet new ride. Talk about a closer!

Spotlight Review on JetSuite

Of all the new players in the constant-changing world of air charter, an operator by the name of JetSuite seems to have put together a product offering that is truly innovative and ground-breaking. Sure, other companies have made claims about making air charter more affordable, but at $999 one way on some flights for the entire airplane, JetSuite definitely appears to be "walking the walk". If that weren't enough, one can also take advantage of last minute empty leg flights offered by the company for as low as $499. This is all happening in the context of an economy that continues to struggle. One has to wonder if this type of business model will be sustainable. (That's another way of saying, better get while the getting is good!)

Surprisingly, the keys to JetSuite's apparent success seem very straightforward - use of a modern fleet (Embraer's Phenom 100), a limited service area (US West Coast) and smart marketing and promotion. Still, espousing a strategy and successfully executing it are two different things. This company is definitely worth a closer look.

One of JetSuite's Phenom 100s - gotta like that red stripe!