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Embraer Executive Jets and AirSprint, Inc. have released the latest information regarding the delivery and maiden flight of AirSprint’s first Legacy 450 aircraft.
Embraer delivers first Legacy 450 to Canada’s AirSprint
Embraer Executive Jets recently delivered the first Legacy 450 mid-light business jet to AirSprint, Inc., a Canadian, privately held fractional aircraft ownership company based in Calgary, Alta., marking the first Legacy 450 delivery in Canada.
The purchase agreement for up to 12 Legacy 450, which consists of two firm orders, was signed in July 2016. This agreement has an estimated value of US$198 million (approx. CAD$266 million) at the current list price, if all options are exercised.
“This first delivery is not only evidence of our growing presence in the Canadian market, but it’s also an important milestone in renewing Canada’s largest fractional aircraft fleet with one of the most innovative business jets in the industry,” said Marco Tulio Pellegrini, president and CEO, Embraer Executive Jets. “AirSprint customers will benefit from the Legacy 450’s comfort, performance, efficiency, and availability for local and transoceanic missions.”
Embraer, AirSprint make maiden voyage to Hawaii
Embraer and AirSprint teamed up for a Legacy 450 demo flight to Hawaii, demonstrating the aircraft’s long-range capabilities. The 2,428-mile (3,907-kilometre) trip from Oakland, Calif., to Maui was smoothly completed in just over five hours and will be submitted to the National Aeronautic Association (NAA) and Federation Aeronautique Internationale (FAI) as a speed record attempt between two recognized city pairs.
Embraer also announced that its Legacy 450 mid-light business jet has completed its maiden voyage to Hawaii, from California. The trip was also a first for the passengers from Calgary-based AirSprint, which operates Canada’s largest fractional aircraft fleet.
The customer demonstration trip with Embraer crew departed from Oakland to Maui with two pilots, four passengers and 300 pounds (136 kilograms) of baggage, and returned to San Francisco.
“This was a historic moment for the Legacy 450, AirSprint and our fractional owners,” said Elian. “AirSprint is proud to play a role in the personal and professional lives of successful Canadians. Our fractional owners trust us daily to take them, their colleagues, and their loved ones to places of work and leisure. With the Legacy 450 in our fleet, we are able to enhance their experience by providing faster, non-stop access to further away destinations like Hawaii, all with a level of comfort and luxury not previously available. We are thrilled to offer this incredible aircraft to our owners”
The flight departed from Oakland International Airport on Dec. 5 at 11:53 a.m. (PST), with fuel reserves in excess of those required for NBAA IFR as well as for critical operations. The flight lasted five hours and 14 minutes, covering a distance of 2,428 miles (3,907 kilometres), recording its longest flight to date. Only 25 minutes into the flight, the aircraft had already reached its planned cruising altitude of 43,000 feet.
The aircraft landed at Maui’s Kahului Airport at 3:04 p.m. (HST) with ample fuel reserves of 2,500 pounds (1,134 kilograms), having consumed only 8,700 pounds (3,946 kilograms) at approximately 243 gallons per hour of flight. The highest speed achieved during this flight was 450 knots or 518 miles per hour (834 kilometres per hour), sustaining average headwinds of 58 knots.
The return flight from Hawaii began on Dec. 6, 2016, at 8:05 a.m. (HST), with only three passengers and the same amount of baggage. The flight lasted four hours and 27 minutes, covering a distance of 2,379 miles (3,829 kilometres). The aircraft landed at San Francisco International Airport (KSFO) at 2:54 p.m. (PST) with excess fuel reserves of 3,300 pounds (1,497 kilograms). The highest speed achieved during this flight was 533 knots or 613 miles per hour (987 kilometres per hour), with average tailwinds of 24 knots.
The Legacy 450 has a full range capability of 2,900 nautical miles (5,371 kilometres) with four passengers and NBAA IFR Reserves, and it can operate at up to Mach 83 with an altitude ceiling of 45,000 feet.
