Embraer, renowned for its innovative aircraft designs, has continually pushed the boundaries of luxury and performance in the realm of aviation. Amongst this suite of formidable products, the Legacy 600 series stands out as the aircraft that introduced Embraer to business aviation. It combined principles of airline-level dispatch reliability and industry-leading comfort and technology to the market, establishing it one of the most popular super-midsize business jets, with nearly 300 delivered by the time of its discontinuation.

Legacy 600:

Embraer’s foray into the corporate jet market began with the unveiling of the Legacy  (renamed the Legacy 600 upon introduction to service in 2005) at the Farnborough Airshow in 2000, with its maiden flight occurring in June of that year. Building upon the proven and reliable Embraer ERJ 135/145 platform, Embraer removed the commercial interior and fitted a luxurious 13-passenger, 3-zone cabin. This design resulted in a remarkably spacious cabin, nearly 50 feet long and 6 feet tall, whereas most competitors in the segment offered smaller cabins with only 2 zones. The Legacy also adopted the 145’s Honeywell Primus Elite glass cockpit. In addition to these modifications, Embraer added fuel tanks forward of the wing and aft of the rear baggage compartment. These additions required aerodynamic improvements to the airframe, including a forward ventral bulge in front of the wings and large winglets. These enhancements extended the Legacy’s range to an impressive 3,400 nautical miles. Upholding their commitment to reliability, the Legacy retained the proven Rolls Royce AE 3007 engines, which had been in service on the ERJ 135/145 since 1995. This contributed to the Legacy 600 series enjoying one of the highest dispatch rates among business jets. Since its introduction, 170 Legacy 600s have been produced and delivered.

Legacy 650:

Building upon the success of the Legacy 600, Embraer unveiled the Legacy 650 in 2010, offering significant enhancements in performance, range, and technology. The Legacy 650 retained the spacious cabin layout of its predecessor while introducing improvements to elevate the flying experience. Embraer upgraded the engines and fuel capacity, with the Legacy 650 boasting an extended range of approximately 3,900 nautical miles, facilitating non-stop flights between crucial business destinations (i.e. New York to London, Singapore to Dubai and Dubai to London). Additionally, the aircraft is equipped with the updated Primus Elite avionics suite, incorporating advanced features such as the Synthetic Vision System (SVS) and graphical weather, enhancing safety and pilot situational awareness. Moreover, the Legacy 650 offers upgraded cabin amenities, including refined interior designs, improved soundproofing, and customizable cabin layouts, ensuring a luxurious and tailored experience for passengers with discerning tastes. Almost 100 Legacy 650s have been delivered since its introduction in 2010.

Legacy 650E:

The Embraer Legacy 650E, launched in 2016, represents an advancement over its predecessor, the Legacy 650, with a host of enhancements. Notably, the Legacy 650E incorporates cutting-edge automation and technology updates, including Honeywell’s Primus Elite Advanced Features (PEAF) in the flight deck, featuring a synthetic vision system (SVS) and XM ground-based weather information. The aircraft also features autothrottles as standard. Additionally, the Legacy 650E boasts a redesigned cabin layout with three distinct zones, accommodating up to 14 passengers in utmost comfort and luxury. With internet connectivity and the latest high-definition in-flight entertainment system (Honeywell Ovation Select), the Legacy 650E ensures an unparalleled travel experience. The Legacy 650E introduced an industry-leading 10-year or 10,000-flight hour warranty, covering various components such as interior, exterior paint, engines, Auxiliary Power Unit (APU), and avionics. Only 14 650Es were delivered before the Legacy’s discontinuation in 2020.

Embraer’s Legacy jets have etched a lasting mark on the super-midsize jet market, acting as a catalyst for Embraer to launch some of the most successful business jets in the industry. The Legacy series represents a testament to Embraer’s commitment to innovation and excellence in business aviation. From the pioneering Legacy 600 to the refined Legacy 650E, each iteration showcases advancements in performance, comfort, and technology, catering to the evolving needs of discerning travelers and operators worldwide.