Brazilian aerospace major Embraer has reportedly introduced a new pair of private jets in Orlando, called the Praetor 500 and Praetor 600. As per reliable sources, the new jets denote the company’s entry in the mid-sized and super mid-size private jet market.
Neither of the aircrafts has an original design, rather they are inspired by two of the Embraer’s existing Florida-built jets. Reportedly, Praetor 500 model is inspired by the existing Legacy 450 and the Praetor 600 is a development of the Legacy 500. The biggest update in the Praetor 500 is in terms of range. The jet has the capacity to go up to 3,740 miles, while the 600 can do flights up to 4,500 miles.
As per Jay Beever, Vice President of interior design at Embraer, the company’s decision to leave behind their signature Legacy range is an effort to distinguish its dedicated business jets such as Legacy 450/500 and Praetor 500/600 from the commercial models like the Legacy 650.
Beever further mentioned that the jets were named after titles given to high-level magistrates in ancient Rome, which signified that the selected name conveyed the idea that the jet is the owner’s ultimate servant.
According to sources familiar with the development, the Praetor 500/600 will not replace the two aircraft which they are based on. Instead, the Legacy 450 and 500 models will continue to be available for customers who don’t need the new jet’s improved capabilities.
A news report by Reuters states that once the Praetor models hit the market in 2019, they will be a part of a fiercely competitive market that includes models like Bombardier’s Challenger 350 and Gulfstream’s G280 as well as Textron’s upcoming model Cessna Citation Longitude. The jet is also enhanced with an interior option branded as the Bossa Nova, which captures the beauty and soul of Brazil’s beaches, cite sources.